Al-Ghazālī's Logic

Origin. Al-Ghazālī (1058-1111). Logic without metaphysics. Miʿyār al-ʿilm (Standard of Knowledge). Logic as neutral tool. Foundation of post-classical Islamic logic.

Models. Logic separable from philosophy. Neutral methodology. Compatible with theology. Against philosophers' metaphysics. Logic for jurisprudence.

Formalism.

Logic as tool: Logic = scale (mīzān). Weighs arguments. No metaphysical commitment. Neutral instrument.

Separation thesis: Logic ≠ philosophy. Greek metaphysics separable. Muslims can use logic. Against wholesale rejection.

Syllogistic: Standard Aristotelian syllogism. Four figures. Valid moods. No innovation here.

Definition: Essential definition: genus + differentia. Descriptive definition: accidents. Real definition preferred. Understand essence.

Jurisprudential application: Qiyās (analogical reasoning in law). Logical qiyās relates. Legal reasoning structured. Logic serves fiqh.

Critique of philosophers: Tahāfut al-Falāsifa. Philosophers exceed logic. Their metaphysics not demonstrated. Logic doesn't prove eternity of world.

Demonstrative vs dialectical: Philosophers claim demonstration. Actually dialectic at best. Premises not certain. Over-confidence critiqued.

Symbols.

Term	Arabic	Meaning
mīzān	ميزان	balance/scale
miʿyār	معيار	standard
taṣawwur	تصور	conception
taṣdīq	تصديق	assent

Metatheory. Logic/metaphysics separation. Neutral tool. Theological compatibility. Critique of demonstration claims.

Applies to. Islamic philosophy. Logic and theology. Legal reasoning. History of logic.

Limitations. Theological agenda. Specific targets. Historical context. Reception debates.