Islamic Metaphysics
An introduction to Islamic metaphysics and its application across religion, education, art, science, and more.
A working command of the vocabulary of Islamic metaphysics — wujūd, māhiyya, the gradation of being — used precisely, not loosely.
The capacity to read primary texts of Ibn Sīnā and Mullā Ṣadrā with comprehension rather than reverence alone.
An understanding of why the tradition treats metaphysics as the science of realities — and what that claim asks of the knower.
Direct exchange with Professor Nasr in open Q&A after every session — the part no book can replace.
A syllabus, not a playlist.
Description
This course offers an exposition of the Islamic metaphysical tradition, paying particular attention to how principial and divine knowledge are distinct from information or merely factual knowledge. In addition to advancing an argument in favor of integrating metaphysics at every level of one’s being, the course will also delve into various applications of Islamic metaphysics pertaining to the domains of religion, education, philosophy, art, ecology, and science.
Text
Nasr, What Is Metaphysics?
Download e-Book from the Publisher
https://equinoxonlinelibrary.com/book/58291/what-is-metaphysics
*The publisher is a third party and is not related to the Tokat Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies
Schedule of Meetings & Readings
September 8
Topic: Where is Sophia?
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, preface, and 1–26
September 15
Topic: The Meaning and Significance of Metaphysics
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 26–32
September 22
Topic: The Domain of Contingency I
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 33–48
September 29
Topic: The Domain of Contingency II
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 48–66
October 6
Topic: Applications of Metaphysical Principles I
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 67–77
October 13
Topic: Applications of Metaphysical Principles II
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 77–94
October 20
Topic: A Knowledge that Wounds the Soul
Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 94–101
University Professor of Islamic Studies at The George Washington University
