Seyyed Hossein Nasr
Join the live classDescription
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
Prerequisite
Although this course engages advanced themes, it is designed to be accessible to learners at all levels. No prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition is required.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the course, students will have developed the tools and perspectives necessary to thoughtfully engage with the Islamic tradition in general, and the themes covered in this course in particular.
Readings
Assigned readings are to be completed prior to each class (see Schedule of Meetings and Readings).
Class Structure
Each class is ninety minutes long, with fifty minutes allotted to the lecture and the remaining forty minutes to Q&A.
Q&A Protocol
Students may pose questions to the instructor via Zoom’s “raise hand” feature or its chat box. The instructor will respond to questions during and/or after the lecture.
Follow-Up
Students are welcome to contact the instructor outside of class for clarification, further discussion, or academic guidance.
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
