Averroes

(Muhammad Ibn-Ahmad Ibn Rushd), Abu al Walid , Arabian philosopher, b. at Cordova in 1126, and died at Morocco 10 Dec. 1198. He translated and commented upon the works of Aristotle, and resolutely placed the claims of science above those of theology. He was prosecuted for his heretical opinions by the Muhammadan doctors, was spat upon by all who entered the mosque at the hour of prayer, and afterwards banished. His philosophical opinions, which incline towards materialism and pantheism, had the honor of being condemned by the University of Paris in 1240. They were opposed by St. Thomas A quinas, and when profoundly influencing Europe at the Renai ance through the Paduan school were again condemned by Pope Leo X. in 1513.