Errors of Averroes

This book refutes the common "error" attributed to Averroes, demonstrating that his equation of madīḥ (encomium) and hijā' (invective) with Greek tragedy/comedy is not an inadequacy but a functional use within his logical system and the repertoire of Arabic poetry.

Marco Calil re-examines the Science of the Art of Poetry through Averroes' Middle Commentary on Aristotle's Poetics. The book challenges the persistent accusation that Averroes made an "error" by inappropriately equating the Arabic terms madīḥ (encomium) and hijā' (invective) with Greek "tragedy" and "comedy". Adopting a counter-accusatory approach, the author rigorously demonstrates that no such error exists in Averroes' Commentary.

The book reveals that Averroes' use of these terms is not about perfect equivalence, but rather their functional integration within his logico-analytical system and the repertoire of Arabic poetry. By defining madīḥ and hijā' through primary sources on Arabic Poetry, Poetics, and Belles-Lettres (adab), the work shows their widespread presence in various textual forms beyond philosophical commentary. This study dispels the notion of error as inadequate correspondence and refutes the idea that pre-modern Arabic poetic canons are "trivial". It offers a sophisticated new perspective on a classic debate.