Philosophy in the Islamic World
Encounter the great philosophers of Islam and their enduring reflections on reason, existence, knowledge, and the good life.
The syllabus.
Description
In this course we will look at some of the leading figures of philosophy in the Islamic world, focusing on the classical period (9-12th centuries CE). Major historical topics covered will include the translation of Greek philosophical works into Arabic, the interaction between Christian, Jewish, and Islamic thought, the development of a distinctive tradition of philosophy in Andalusia (Islamic Spain), and the enormous impact of Ibn Sīnā. Main philosophical topics will be proofs for the existence of God, ideas about the human soul, and theories of knowledge.
Target Audience and Prerequisites
This course is designed for students, academics, and anyone interested in engaging seriously with the intellectual traditions of Islamic civilization. No prior academic background in the subject is required unless otherwise specified. Participants need only bring intellectual curiosity, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with the course materials and discussions.
Texts
Students might prepare for the course by reading:
• P. Adamson, Philosophy in the Islamic World: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015).
There are also many relevant episodes on Prof Adamson’s podcast: www.historyofphilosophy.net
Fora useful collection of primary texts see:
•J. McGinnis and D.C. Reisman (ed. and trans.), Classical Arabic Philosophy: An Anthology of Sources (Indianapolis:2007).
Schedule of Meetings
Week 1
Al-Kindī and the Greek-Arabic translation movement
Primary reading: Excerpt from al-Kindī, On First Philosophy.
Recommended secondary reading: P.Adamson, Al-Kindī (New York: 2007), ch. 3.
Week 2
Al-Fārābī and the Baghdad School
Primary reading: al-Fārābī, Book of Religion; Yaḥyā Ibn ʿAdī, On the Difference between Logic and Grammar.
Recommended secondary reading: T.-A. Druart, “Al-Fārābī, Ethics and First Intelligibles.”
Week 3
Jewish Philosophy
Primary reading: Excerpt from Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed.
Recommended secondary reading: J. Stern, “Maimonides’ Epistemology,” in K. Seeskin (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Maimonides (Cambridge: 2005), 105–33.
Week 4
Philosophy in Andalusia
Primary reading: Ibn Rushd (Averroes), The Decisive Treatise.
Recommended secondary reading: “Averroes’ Decisive Treatise (Faṣl al-maqāl) and Exposition (Kashf) as Dialectical Works,” in K. Krause, L.X. López Farjeat, and N. Oschman (eds), Contextualizing Premodern Philosophy: Explorations of the Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and Latin Traditions (New York: Routledge, 2023), 326–40.
Week 5
Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna)
Primary reading: Ibn Sīnā’s proof of God’s existence and flying man thought experiment.
Recommended secondary reading: P. Adamson, “From the Necessary Existent to God,” in P. Adamson (ed.), Interpreting Avicenna (Cambridge: 2013), 170-89. P. Adamson and F. Benevich, “The Thought Experimental Method: Avicenna’s Flying Man Argument,” Journal of the American Philosophical Association (2018), 1–18.
Week 6
Al-Ghazālī
Primary reading: Excerpts fromal-Ghazālī, Incoherence of the Philosophers.
Recommended secondary reading: F.Griffel, Al-Ghazālī’s Philosophical Theology (New York: 2009).
Week 7
Ibn Khaldūn
Primary reading: Excerpt from Ibn Khaldūn, Historical Introduction.
Recommended secondary reading: P. Adamson, “Ibn Khaldūn’s Method of History and Aristotelian Natural Philosophy," Journal for the History of Philosophy 62 (2024), 195–210.
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.
Peter Adamson is one of the world’s leading historians of philosophy and among the most influential public interpreters of the philosophical tradition today. His scholarship ranges across Greek, Islamic, medieval, and global philosophy, while his internationally acclaimed History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps project has introduced millions of listeners and readers to philosophy as a continuous and interconnected human conversation. At Tokat, he teaches the history of Islamic philosophy not as an isolated academic discipline, but as a living tradition that stretches across cultures, languages, and civilizations.
In their own words.
The most valuable aspect of the course was:
“Discovering that Islam is so much deeper than I thought it was. I've been searching for the longest time for something within Islam that was intellectually satisfying… I really hope you'll do more of these courses!”
“Prof. Rustom, with his cheerful manner and fluent expression, made even difficult concepts understandable in simple language.”
"The most valuable aspect of the course for me was understanding how Islamic teachings integrate spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. It helped me see health not just as a medical condition, but as a holistic balance rooted in faith, ethics, and compassion."
“Studying with Professor Chittick was deeply transformative and an immense privilege.”
“This was a wonderful, intellectually stimulating course! I especially appreciated the interactions with other students and Dr. Faruque’s responses to my questions, as well as the care taken to accurately present alternative viewpoints.”
The thing I liked about this most was:
“Its profound exploration of the spiritual and intellectual foundations of reality in Islam—particularly how metaphysical principles connect the Divine, cosmos, and human soul.”
“Very pleasurable to hear God spoken of in the context of an academic frame.”
"Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for the positive influence you've had in my life and the lives of those around me. Your lectures continue to inspire me to explore alternative paths and to support others in their healing journeys."
“It was a great honor and privilege for me to be able to attend Professor Chittick’s class. His mastery and knowledge of the subject of cosmology made the class very interesting.”
Professor Faruque’s course marked a shift from viewing AI as a technical challenge to an ontological one. In an era where “Dataism” threatens to reduce the human soul to a series of algorithms, this course provided a vital intellectual defense of the anthropocosmic self. Professor Faruque brilliantly articulated that while AI can process information, it cannot embody knowledge as a “mode of being.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course for me was gaining a deeper understanding of the foundations and significance of Muslim metaphysics.”
"The course provided a powerful argument in support of alternative healing through holistically making the learners identify with the entirety of life than just material and physical form."
“I felt transported to a different realm during every class, which almost never happens in an academic course. My heart and intellect were both fully engaged. This was due to Professor Chittick's deep knowledge, mastery/love for the subject, and exceptional skills as an orator.”
“This course needs to be translated into other languages spoken in the Muslim world and made more accessible to those audiences.”
“I’m very grateful to attend his astonishing lectures this fall initiated by the Tokat Institute. Barakallah.”
“I have greatly benefited from the alternative approaches to healing and well-being that your lectures provide. Your insights have opened my eyes to the deeper connections between mind, body, and spirit.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course was that Professor Chittick presented Islamic cosmology on its own terms rather than through a diluted Western philosophical lens.”
“This course helped me find answers to many questions that we need to address now and in the near future. Dr. Faruque delivered the course in a highly credible and professional manner.”
“Clarified my understanding of what Islamic metaphysics is, which I hadn’t understood, and the destructive influence of empiricism and related modern ideas/mindsets. This is a very freeing thing!”
“Very happy with the course and I hope there will be more similar courses in the future.”
“Dr. Chittick's presence and vast knowledge of the subject is invaluable.”
“The instructor’s openness to welcoming questions, critiques, and additions was what truly made the course engaging and valuable. The instructor's efforts and knowledge are undoubtedly appreciated.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course was the presence, wisdom, experiences, and discourses of beloved Mohammed Rustom. Following that is the amazing book he has written. What a gem. Great translations. Organized beautifully. The third aspect is the community of beloveds who joined, shared, and contributed with their presences and questions.”
“In this course Professor Chittick offered us a compact and stimulating presentation of Islamic cosmology. His lectures were well-informed and gave us a clear window into the basic concepts related to the field.”
“The themes covered, the resources (articles, books, and lecture slides) shared, and the thought-provoking lectures were all deeply enriching.”
“Absolutely amazing! please offer more of the same! Please!”
“The depth of reflection that was nurtured in the course was very helpful. An excellent course!”
“Your insights and scholarship have tremendously enriched my understanding of the subject. I have found your teaching style to be both informative and inspiring, and I appreciate the effort you put into making complex topics accessible.”
“The way the epistemic foundations of AI were expounded upon helped one see the trajectory of how we have arrived at this point, and how AI is a result and manifestation of this convoluted way of understanding consciousness, humanity, God, nature, and existence. I am grateful to Professor Faruque for sharing his views and perspectives on this topic, as well as his knowledge, which spans technology, religion, and spirituality.”
“I can’t overstate how amazing your class was and its impact on me. ‘Ayn Al-Qudāt is now a household name in our family. My oldest daughter and I would read passages from Inrushes of the Heart (incredible title), many of which are both beautiful and thought-provoking.”
“I would highly recommend it to others.”
