Ibn Khaldun
The North African historian who founded a science of civilization — solidarity, economics and the life cycles of states.
Core ideas
- Group solidarity (asabiyya) is the engine that builds and breaks states
- Civilizations have lifecycles, not just chronicles
- Economics and morality are intertwined: unjust taxation destroys prosperity
Historical context
A career diplomat and scholar who survived plagues, sieges and prison — and twice met the conqueror Tamerlane in camp, an encounter he wrote up like a researcher.
Key works
Muqaddimah · Book of Lessons
Questions they speak to
Minds in conversation
- ThucydidesAthens
- AristotleStagira, Athens
- Al-GhazaliTus, Persia
Sources
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — Ibn Khaldun