HIST 411: History of Islamic Philosophy offers an in-depth exploration of the philosophical traditions that flourished within Islamic civilizations, from the emergence of Islam in the 7th century through the classical period and into the modern era. This course navigates the intricate landscape of Islamic thought, examining the profound contributions of Muslim philosophers to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and theology. It delves into the works of seminal thinkers such as Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Al-Ghazali, Averroes (Ibn Rushd), and many others who played pivotal roles in shaping the intellectual discourse within and beyond the Muslim world.

Students will explore the synthesis of Greek philosophy with Islamic theology, leading to the development of distinctive philosophical schools such as the Peripatetics, Ash’arites, and Sufis. The course will also address the dynamic interactions between Muslim philosophers and their contemporaries in Jewish and Christian circles, highlighting the intercultural exchange of ideas during the Middle Ages. Through a close reading of primary texts (in translation) and scholarly commentary, the course aims to uncover the philosophical inquiries that drove Muslim thinkers to seek understanding of the natural world, the divine, the soul, and the ethical life within an Islamic framework.

Furthermore, “HIST 411: History of Islamic Philosophy” will critically assess the impact of Islamic philosophy on the European Renaissance and Enlightenment, challenging the narrative of a purely Western origin of modern philosophical thought. Students will engage with contemporary debates on the relevance of Islamic philosophy in addressing modern existential and ethical questions, fostering an appreciation for the richness and diversity of Islamic intellectual heritage.

Overall Objectives for this Course:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Articulate the key themes and questions that animated Islamic philosophy.
2. Identify major figures in Islamic philosophy and their contributions to various philosophical disciplines.
3. Analyze primary philosophical texts from the Islamic tradition and understand their historical context.
4. Compare and contrast different schools of thought within Islamic philosophy.
5. Examine the influence of Greek philosophy on Islamic thought and the unique contributions of Islamic philosophers.
6. Discuss the interactions between Islamic, Jewish, and Christian philosophers in the medieval period.
7. Evaluate the impact of Islamic philosophy on the European Renaissance and Enlightenment.
8. Engage with contemporary discussions on the relevance of Islamic philosophical thought to modern issues.
9. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of philosophical arguments and ideas.
10. Appreciate the significance of Islamic philosophy within the broader history of philosophy.