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.’

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.