Henry Corbin, French philosopher and academic (d. 1978)

Henry Corbin, a towering figure in 20th-century scholarship, was a distinguished French philosopher, theologian, and Iranologist whose profound insights reshaped the understanding of Islamic philosophy in the Western world. Born in Paris on April 14, 1903, and passing away on October 7, 1978, his academic career culminated as a revered professor of Islamic Studies at the prestigious École pratique des hautes études in Paris, France.

Corbin's intellectual path was a fascinating blend of traditions. Though he hailed from a Protestant family, his formative education unfolded within the rich tapestry of Catholic thought. At the young age of 19, he demonstrated his early prowess by earning a certificate in Scholastic philosophy from the Catholic Institute of Paris. Just three years later, he further cemented his foundational philosophical training, obtaining his "licence de philosophie" under the guidance of the eminent Thomist philosopher, Étienne Gilson. This early immersion in Western philosophical traditions, particularly those rooted in medieval Christian thought, laid a crucial groundwork for his later, groundbreaking work on Islamic intellectual history.

A Pivotal Encounter and a Spiritual Destiny

However, the true turning point in Corbin's intellectual odyssey arrived in 1928, when he crossed paths with Louis Massignon. Massignon, then the influential director of Islamic studies at the Sorbonne, introduced the young Corbin to the captivating writings of Shahāb al-Dīn Yahya ibn Habash Suhrawardī. Suhrawardī, a brilliant 12th-century Persian mystic and philosopher, known as the 'Master of Illumination' (Shaykh al-Ishraq), championed an intellectual tradition that sought to integrate ancient Persian wisdom, particularly Zoroastrian angelology and a form of Platonic thought, with Islamic mysticism. This encounter proved to be nothing short of transformative for Corbin, profoundly affecting the entire trajectory of his life's work. Reflecting on this monumental moment years later, Corbin himself declared, "through my meeting with Suhrawardi, my spiritual destiny for the passage through this world was sealed. Platonism, expressed in terms of the Zoroastrian angelology of ancient Persia, illuminated the path that I was seeking." This powerful statement underscores how Suhrawardī's unique synthesis offered Corbin a lens through which to explore the profound spiritual and philosophical dimensions he instinctively sought.

Redefining Islamic Philosophy

Corbin's scholarship fundamentally redirected the academic study of Islamic philosophy as a whole. His seminal work, Histoire de la philosophie islamique (History of Islamic Philosophy), published in 1964, stands as a testament to this reorientation. In this groundbreaking text, he courageously challenged the widely held, yet largely Eurocentric, notion that philosophical inquiry among Muslims effectively ceased after the death of the renowned Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd (Averroes) in the late 12th century. Corbin argued convincingly that while the form of philosophical expression might have shifted in the Western Islamic world, the vibrant intellectual traditions, particularly in Persia and the Eastern Islamic lands, continued to flourish and evolve, embracing new spiritual and mystical dimensions. He brought to light the rich intellectual heritage of figures and schools of thought, like Suhrawardī himself, which had been largely overlooked or misunderstood by Western scholarship, thereby expanding the very definition and scope of Islamic philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Henry Corbin?
Henry Corbin was a distinguished French philosopher, theologian, Iranologist, and a professor of Islamic Studies, best known for his profound work on Islamic philosophy and mysticism, particularly bringing to light the largely overlooked traditions of Persia.
What was Henry Corbin's primary academic focus?
His primary focus was on Islamic philosophy, especially in the Eastern Islamic world (Persia), and the interconnectedness of its mystical and spiritual dimensions with ancient traditions like Platonism and Zoroastrianism. He aimed to challenge and broaden Western understandings of Islamic thought.
How did Louis Massignon influence Corbin's career?
Louis Massignon, a prominent Islamic scholar, played a crucial role by introducing Corbin to the writings of Suhrawardī, the 12th-century Persian mystic and philosopher. This introduction was a pivotal moment that profoundly shaped the direction of Corbin's life and scholarly work.
Who was Suhrawardi, and why was he significant to Corbin?
Suhrawardī (Shahāb al-Dīn Yahya ibn Habash Suhrawardī) was a highly influential 12th-century Persian mystic and philosopher, founder of the Illuminationist (Ishraqī) school of philosophy. For Corbin, Suhrawardī's work was significant because it synthesized Islamic mysticism with ancient Persian wisdom, including Zoroastrian angelology and a form of Platonism, providing the spiritual and philosophical framework Corbin had long sought.
What major view did Corbin challenge in Islamic philosophy?
Corbin famously challenged the common, Eurocentric view that Islamic philosophy effectively came to an end after the death of the renowned Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd (Averroes) in the late 12th century. Through his research, he demonstrated the continued vibrancy and evolution of philosophical traditions, especially in the Eastern Islamic world.
What is the École pratique des hautes études?
The École pratique des hautes études (EPHE) is a prestigious French institution for advanced studies and research. It focuses on the humanities and social sciences, as well as life and earth sciences, offering high-level academic training, often outside traditional university structures. Corbin held a professorship there in Islamic Studies.