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Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd on Nature and the Cosmos


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Al-Ghazali-and-Ibn-Rushd-on-Nature-and-the-Cosmos

About The Course

Welcome to“Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd on Nature and the Cosmos” This course offers a captivating exploration into one of the most intellectually stimulating chapters in the history of classical Islamic thought—the debate recorded in al-Ghazālī’s ‘Incoherence of the Philosophers’ and Ibn Rushd’s ‘Incoherence of the Incoherence.’

Course Team

Dr. Edward Omar Moad
Dr. Edward Omar Moad (Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Humanities, Qatar University)

At A Glance

  • 12+ Live Online Sessions 12+ Live Online Sessions
  • Duration: 12+ Weeks Duration: 12+ Weeks
  • Sundays, 2 PM - 3:30PM (London, UK) Sundays, 2 PM - 3:30PM (London, UK)
  • Video Recordings Available Video Recordings Available
  • Access to Mobile App Access to Mobile App
  • Certificate Certificate
  • From £14.99/Month (For 4 Months) From £14.99/Month (For 4 Months)

Enroll Now

  • Starts on 7th January 2024
  • Course Fee:
    Pay in Full: £79.99 £59.99
    Pay in 4 Installments: £14.99 per month
  • Registration Deadline: 6th January 2024

Al Balagh Scholarship

AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee. Learn More and Apply

Course Overview

The debate recorded in al-Ghazali’s ‘Incoherence of the Philosophers’ and Ibn Rushd’s ‘Incoherence of the Incoherence’ is one of the most philosophically interesting events in the history of classical Islamic thought. Here, the cutting edge of Ghazali’s searching critique meets the depth of Ibn Rushd’s philosophical insight in clashing over the innovative synthesis of Aristotelian and Neo-Platonic thought represented chiefly by Ibn Sina.

Learning Outcomes

  • Historical and Contextual Understanding: By the end of the course, students will be able to contextualize the significance of the debate between al-Ghazālī and Ibn Rushd within the broader landscape of classical Islamic thought and its interactions with Aristotelian and Neo-Platonic philosophies.
  • Critical Analysis: Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the primary arguments, counterarguments, and methodologies presented by both philosophers, discerning the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each perspective.

Here is the course outline:

Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction

This course offers a captivating exploration into one of the most intellectually stimulating chapters in the history of classical Islamic thought—the debate recorded in al-Ghazālī’s ‘Incoherence of the Philosophers’ and Ibn Rushd’s ‘Incoherence of the Incoherence.’

IT- Orientation

This IT Orientation explains how you can learn essential information and discover, connect, navigate this portal and build a foundation for a successful journey ahead.

Session-1: Introduction

Introduction to the historical context of the Incoherence debate. Overview of the key figures: al-Ghazālī, Ibn Rushd, and Ibn Sīnā. Exploration of the concept of Taqlīd and its implications. Discussion on Ghazālī’s methodological approach. Analysis of Ibn Rushd’s rationale and his methodological distinctions.

Session-2: Basic Cosmological Concepts

Introduction to foundational cosmological ideas in Islamic philosophy. Examination of the roles of agents and causes. Deep dive into the first proof of cosmic pre-eternity. Exploration of the nature of possibilities and eternities. Discussion on the implications of these concepts for the broader debate.

Session-3: Second Proof of Cosmic Pre-Eternity

Detailed study of the second proof and its significance. Examination of the concepts of time and eternity. Discussion on the role of the wahm in philosophical thought. Analysis of the 'naïve' philosophical position presented. Reflection on the implications of this proof for the debate.

Session-4: Imaging Creation

Detailed study of the second proof and its significance. Examination of the concepts of time and eternity. Discussion on the role of the wahm in philosophical thought. Analysis of the 'naïve' philosophical position presented. Reflection on the implications of this proof for the debate.

Session-5: Time, Space, and Imagination

Introduction to the philosophical concepts of time and space. Examination of two distinct models of time. Exploration of the space-time analogy. Discussion on the direction of time and its implications. Analysis of time in relation to possible worlds.

Session-6: The Ontological Argument for Cosmic Pre-Eternity

Delve into the third proof of cosmic pre-eternity. Examination of the concept of possibility as potency. Discussion on the nature of possibility in itself. Analysis of the distinctions between different types of possibilities. Reflection on the ontological implications of this argument.

Session-7: The Matter of Possibility

Introduction to the fourth proof of cosmic pre-eternity. Examination of the relationship between possibility and intellect. Analysis of the argument from impossibility and accidents. Discussion on the possibility of souls and its implications. Reflection on the broader implications of this chapter for the debate.

Session-8: Cosmic Post-Eternity

Exploration of the concept of cosmic post-eternity. Analysis of the eternal past and its significance. Examination of the identity of indiscernible eternal recurrences. Discussion on Ibn Rushd’s faith-based approach to science. Study of the substance of annihilation and its implications.

Session-9: The Act and the Agent

Exploration of the concept of cosmic post-eternity. Analysis of the eternal past and its significance. Examination of the identity of indiscernible eternal recurrences. Discussion on Ibn Rushd’s faith-based approach to science. Study of the substance of annihilation and its implications.

Session-10: The Nature of Nature

Introduction to the philosophical concept of nature. Examination of miracles, resurrection, and natural science. Analysis of necessity, causation, and agency. Discussion on induction and its role in philosophical thought. Exploration of the conditions of being and their implications.

Session-11: Two Approaches

Introduction to the two distinct philosophical approaches presented. Examination of the first approach and its implications. Analysis of the second approach and its significance. Discussion on the concept of multiple realizability. Reflection on the broader implications of these approaches for the debate.

Session-12: Between the Agent and the Act

Delve into the intricate relationship between the agent and the act. Examination of the concept of emanation. Analysis of the true one and its possibility. Discussion on the true one and its knowledge. Reflection on the course and the enduring significance of the Incoherence debate.

Session-13: Ibn Rushd's Plausible Premises

Completion

The following certificates are awarded when the course is completed:

Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd on Nature and the Cosmos
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