Islamic Philosophy of Religion: The Classical Period (c. 800-1200) (SuTerm 2021)

This course is an introduction to the field of philosophy of religion, explored through the works of Muslim scholars of the classical period (c. 800-1200). We will examine some of the central topics in the intersection of religion and philosophy such as the existence and providence of God; prophecy and revelation; faith and rationality; morality; suffering and theodicy; life after death; and philosophical approaches to scriptural hermeneutics. Although our readings will chiefly be from the classical period, debates over these topics have continued to preoccupy believers and non-believers to the present. The weekly readings are a mix of primary and secondary sources; all are in English. German translations will be supplemented if available.