Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Philosopher, Author, and Theorist

Seyyed Hossein Nasr (born 1312 SH / 1933 CE) is a philosopher, author, theorist, and Professor of Islamic Studies at The George Washington University in the United States. Through his writings and lectures in Western academic circles, Nasr has been highly influential in introducing Iranian-Islamic philosophy and wisdom, as well as Shi‘ism, to the West. He translated into English the book of his teacher, ‘Allamah Tabataba’i, entitled Shi‘ite Islam. He made particularly significant efforts to introduce Mulla Sadra to Western audiences. In American academic circles, Nasr is recognized as a Traditionalist philosopher and a leading exponent and defender of the “Perennial Philosophy” (Sophia Perennis). The major part of his intellectual works and studies in America has been devoted to this domain, as well as to comparative religion, philosophy, and interreligious dialogue.