ISSN 3062-262X

The Logical Term: Structure and Concept in al-Farabi’s Kitab al-‘Ibara (The Book of Interpretation)

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Rafaoui Liazid

Abstract

This study examines the logical term in Al-Farabi’s Al-Ibara (De Interpretatione), focusing on two complementary levels: the linguistic structure of terms and the logical concepts they designate. It also investigates Al-Farabi’s methods of defining and explaining terms through definition, description, functional explanation, examples, division and contrast. The study argues that Al-Ibara is not a specialized dictionary in the strict lexicographical sense, yet it contains a dense terminological material and systematic definitional practices that perform some functions associated with specialized lexicography. The analysis shows that Al-Farabi treats terms as elements within a coherent logical system rather than as isolated lexical units, and that he relies on conceptual relations, oppositions and illustrative examples to delimit their meanings.

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