Averroism is a philosophical doctrine based on the works of the medieval philosopher Averroes, also known as Ibn Rushd. It emphasizes the importance of reason and rational thought in understanding the world, often advocating for the compatibility of Aristotelian philosophy with Islamic theology. Averroism gained prominence in the 12th century and influenced both Islamic and Christian scholars. The central tenet of Averroism is the idea of the unity of intellect, suggesting that all humans share a single, universal intellect. This concept sparked debates about individual knowledge and the nature of the soul, impacting later philosophical discussions in the Renaissance and beyond.