Answer
Al-Tabari's school of thought, the Muʿtazila, existed for two centuries. It was founded by Wasil ibn Ata in the 8th century, and was one of the first schools of Islamic thought. The Muʿtazila believed that reason was the only way to understand God, and that the Qur'an could be interpreted literally. They were also known for their rationalism and their emphasis on justice.