Summary of Iranian Theosophy: Source of Avicenna?
 
This work investigates the philosophical origins of the thought of Avicenna (Ibn Sina)—one of the most influential philosophers of the medieval Islamic world. Traditionally, scholars have interpreted Avicenna primarily as a thinker shaped by Greek philosophy, especially Aristotle and Plotinus.
 
Dr. Panoussi challenges this assumption by asking whether Iranian philosophical and religious traditions—particularly Zoroastrian and Persian intellectual traditions—also played a significant role in shaping Avicenna’s thought.
 
The study explores historical, philosophical, and textual evidence suggesting that Avicenna’s ideas may reflect a synthesis of Greek philosophy and older Iranian theosophical traditions.