Den positiven Einfluss des griechischen Denkens auf die Geistesgeschichte zeigt sich auch in der frühen islamischen Philosophie, die mehrere aufgeklärte Denker hervorgebracht hat. Im 9. Jahrhundert ist dies alleine schon bemerkenswert. In der Britannica lässt sich das schön nachlesen:

al-Kindi
He insisted that that a purely human knowledge of all thinks is possible, through the use of scientific devices, learning such things as mathematics and logic, and assimilating the contributions of earlier thinkers.

Abu Bakr ar-Razi
[…] he was totally opposed to authority in matters of knowledge, believed in the progress of arts and sciences, and held that all reasonable men are equally able to look after their own affairs, equally inspired and able to know the truth of what earlier man had taught, and equally able to improve upon it. Isma’ili theologians were incensed, in particular by his wholesale rejection of prophecy, particular revelation, and divine laws. They were likewise opposed to his criticisms of religion in general as a device employed by evil men and a kind of tyranny over men that exploits their innocence and credulity, perpetuates ignorance, and leads to conflicts and wars.

(Aus: Britannica 1997, Volume 22, page 24/25)

Die Welt sähe besser aus, würde sich die islamische Geisteswelt auf diese Linie ihrer intellektuellen Vorfahren berufen.