George Saliba
- Born:
- 1939, Lebanon
- Nationality:
- Lebanese-American
- Profession(s):
- Historian of Science, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Science
Early Life and Education
- Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics from the American University of Beirut (AUB).
- Earned a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics at Trinity University in Texas.
- Obtained a Ph.D. in History of Science and Middle East Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of Arabic and Islamic Science at Columbia University.
- Significant contributions to understanding the development of astronomy and other sciences in the Islamic world.
- Challenged Eurocentric views of the history of science, demonstrating the profound influence of Islamic scholarship on European science.
- Published extensively on the interactions between Arabic and Greek sources in scientific development.
Notable Works
- A History of Arabic Astronomy: Planetary Theories During the Golden Age of Islam (New York University Press, 1994)
- Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance (MIT Press, 2007)
- Authored numerous articles and book chapters on various aspects of Islamic science.
- Edited and translated significant scientific texts from Arabic.
Legacy and Impact
George Saliba's work has been instrumental in reshaping our understanding of the history of science, highlighting the crucial role played by Islamic scholars and scientists. This entry addresses a need for concise information, somewhat in the style of a "muhsin mahdi biography of george," by presenting a factual overview of his life and accomplishments. His research has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing generations of scholars and challenging traditional narratives.