Dive into the life and times of Ibn Khaldun, a pivotal 14th-century scholar. This episode sets the stage for exploring his masterwork, "The Muqaddimah," outlining his life as a philosopher, statesman, and scholar. We'll uncover the historical and cultural contexts that shaped his views, previewing the depth of analysis in subsequent episodes about civilizations, economics, and dynastic politics. Discover why Ibn Khaldun is considered a father of modern sociology, and how his theories apply to understanding both past and present societal dynamics.