Al-Ghazali and Ibn Rushd on Nature and the Cosmos

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Nature and the Cosmos

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

(Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Humanities, Qatar University)

AT A GLANCE

12+ Live Online Sessions

Duration : 12 Weeks

Sundays, 2 PM - 3:30PM (London, UK)

Video Recordings Available

Access to Mobile App

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From £14.99/Month

(For 4 Months)

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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

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Sessions

Module 1

1. Introductions

● 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.

Module 2

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.

Module 3

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.

Module 4

4. Imaging Creation

● Exploration of Ghazālī’s first objection to the first proof.
● Analysis of the debate on the ‘eternal will’.
● Examination of the efficient cause and its implications.
● Discussion on the concept of Divine Will in philosophical thought.
● Study of the various philosophical positions presented in this chapter.

Module 5

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.

Module 6

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.

Module 7

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.

Module 8

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.

Module 9

9. The Act and the Agent

● Delve into the relationship between actions and their agents.
● Examination of the act through various analogies.
● Analysis of the agent in terms of semantics and responsibility.
● Reflection on the philosophical implications of this relationship.
● Discussion on the broader themes of agency in Islamic philosophy.

Module 10

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.

Module 11

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.

Module 1 2

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.

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.

In this course we will examine and discuss the arguments deployed by all three parties in the debate, wherein are raised questions about the origin of the universe and the reality of time, possibility, and causality, and nature itself. The course consists of twelve units, each corresponding to a chapter of the book written by the course instructor and recently published as ‘Coherence of the Incoherence’ (2023, Gorgias Press).

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

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

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.
Philosophical Concepts Mastery: Students will gain a deep understanding of core philosophical concepts discussed in the debate, such as causality, the nature of time, possibility, and the intricacies of agency and act.
Comparative Evaluation: Through discussions and reflections, students will be equipped to compare and contrast the philosophical positions of al-Ghazālī, Ibn Rushd, and Ibn Sīnā, appreciating the nuances and innovations each brought to the discourse.
Application to Contemporary Thought: Students will be able to relate the insights from the classical debate to contemporary philosophical and theological discussions, recognizing the enduring relevance of the Incoherence debate in modern metaphysical and analytic theological dialogues.

Explore Relevant Courses/Conferences

Introduction to Western Philosophy

A History of Western Philosophy

Islamic Psychology & Counselling – Level 1

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