Classical Islamic Philosophy

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course is a survey of some of the most important philosophical topics and thinkers of classical Islamic civilization. This philosophical tradition reflects the distinctive cultural environment of the Muslim world from the 7 th century until the 15 th century or so. Although many of the thinkers we’ll study were Muslims, Jewish and Christian thinkers also made important contributions to this tradition, and we’ll examine the work of some of these figures as well. We’ll examine works from relatively well-known figures such as Al-Kindī, Al-Fārābī, Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā), al-Ghazālī, Averroes (Ibn Rushd), and Moses Maimonides. But we’ll also consider the work of some lesser-known figures. Our emphasis will be on careful reading and philosophical analysis of primary texts.