2002-03 Islam & Philosophy

Despite an ever-growing interest in non-Western ways of thought, the rich tradition of Islamic philosophy remains unknown to most Americans. Those familiar with this intellectual tradition have long recognized its profound influence on medieval Christian and Jewish thought, as well as the essential role Islamic philosophers played in preserving and transmitting the legacy of classical Greek thought to Europe. However, even here a number of long-standing assumptions have often hindered a full appreciation and understanding of the Islamic philosophical tradition: for instance, that it begins and ends in the medieval period, that it is basically derivative of classical Greek thought, that its value can be cashed out purely in terms of its contributions to the development of European thought, and that its interest to the modern West is thus at best merely historical.  (learn more)

Schedule of Events:

“What Can We Learn from Alfarabi About Plato and Aristotle?”
Charles E. Butterworth
Sept. 23, 2002
7:30 p.m.
Willard Smith Library

“Crosspollinations Between Jewish and Islamic Philosophy: Humanistic Themes”
Lenn E. Goodman
Oct. 28, 2002
7:30 p.m.
Willard Smith Library

“Love and Mysticism in the Islamic Tradition”
Parviz Morewedge
Nov. 19, 2002
7:30 p.m.
Willard Smith Library

“The Eternity of the Soul in Baba Afdal”
William C. Chittick
Feb. 18, 2003
7:30 p.m.
Willard Smith Library

“Imagination and Islamic Philosophy”
Oliver Leaman
March 4, 2003
7:30 p.m.
Willard Smith Library