Doxography

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Doxography (Greek: δόξα - "an opinion, a point of view" + γραϕή - "to write, to describe") is a term used for the works especially of classical historians, which describe the points of view of past philosophers and scientists concerning philosophy, science, etc. The term was coined by Hermann Diels. Though doxography is not an independent branch of science, its meaning could hardly be overestimated.

[edit] Classic Greek Philosophy

The great number of philosophical works were lost with time so sometimes we can get a knowledge about them only with the doxographical works of the later scientists. Among the most wellknown doxographers there are such famous names as Aristotle and Plato. Due to their work we can now get at least a principal idea of the philosophical researches and rationales of views of ancient Greek philosophers like Thales of Miletus, Empedocles, Anaximander, Zeno and many other.

[edit] Islamic Doxography

Islamic Doxography is an aggregate of theosophical works (like Kitab al-Maqalat by Abu Mansur Al Maturidi) concerning the aberrations in Islamic sects and streams.