Averroes, << uh VEHR oh eez >> (1126-1198), was an Arabian philosopher. He was also known as Ibn Roshd << ihb uhn ROOSHT >> . Averroes was a devoted student of the writings of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. His interpretations of Aristotle were influential for many years. But Averroes’ insistence on the eternity of matter and his denial of personal immortality were condemned by church authorities in the West. Because they wished to reconcile Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology, the authorities argued that on these points Averroes was mistaken about Aristotle’s position. Averroes was born in Cordoba, Spain.
