Ethics and politics in al-Fārābī and Ibn Bājja

Fȃrȃbȋ and Ibn Bȃjja, who based their systems of thought on the goal of achieving true happiness, examined the subject of the soul in order to know the human being. Both philosophers stated that true happiness can only be achieved through rational and intellectual knowledge and actions that are realised within the framework of this knowledge, and accordingly, human beings should attain their competence by possessing rational and moral virtues. They mentioned the influence of the principle of moderation, habits, pleasure and pain in the acquisition of moral behaviour and virtues. They also emphasised the importance of education and habits, arguing that temperament and morality can change. Fȃrȃbȋ and Ibn Bȃjja have given the science of politics in their works due to its effect on the acquisition of good morals. In particular, Fȃrȃbȋ put forward detailed views on virtuous society, the first president and non-virtuous societies. Both philosophers stated that love and justice should be present in the establishment and maintenance of a virtuous society, and that the virtuous president has an important role. While Fȃrȃbȋ argues that there may be groups opposing their views in a virtuous society, Ibn Bȃjja does not see this as possible. For Ibn Bȃjja, a virtuous society is in harmony and harmony with all its elements. Fȃrȃbȋ thinks that true happiness can be achieved in a virtuous society under the leadership of a virtuous president. Ibn Bȃjja, on the other hand, argued that in the absence of a virtuous society, only the virtuous individual, the mutawahhid, can achieve intellectual competence by gaining certain stages and competences in corrupt societies.