Philosophicae Historica.

By asking why certain writings become foundational texts while others fall into oblivion, Adam Ferner and Chris Meyns, scholars in philosophy and the history of science, question the formation of the philosophical canon and show that the classics did not become such by chance. They challenge the eurocentrism that has long credited Hellenism with the sole invention of philosophy, thereby sidelining thinkers such as Rhazes or Farabi. Drawing on four thousand years of texts, enriched with archival material in Akkadian, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Pali, they highlight the plurality of cultures that have contributed to the history of thought. Their project seeks to situate philosophy within its political and historical context, arguing that even the most abstract works carry political resonance and have at times justified projects of expansion, empire, and domination. Some ideas were amplified while others were silenced; the authors aim to restore these neglected voices, uncover the connections between them, and emphasize their formative role in world political history. The selected texts stand out for their transformative ambition, making the book a stimulating introduction to a renewed and more inclusive history of philosophy.