Interpretation of Arabic Philosophical Texts [ LFILO2300 ]

Reading knowledge of Arabic is advisable but not absolutely necessary. It is sufficient if students have had a course in the history of Arabic philosophy, or a background level of knowledge of Arab philosophy which is equivalent.

The course will consist of a critical reading of texts authored by thinkers from the Arab-Islamic cultural sphere, and will situate them in their particular context, indicating their importance for the history of thought. The aim of the course is to help the participants develop the skills and understanding that are required to read critically texts from the Arabo-Islamic philosophical tradition.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to analyze in a critical manner philosophical texts produced in the Arab-Islamic cultural sphere.

Participation in class; final oral exam.

Activities outside the class: preparation of the texts read in class; personal research to acquire and/or increase the student's familiarity with the tools and resources used in the study of Arabic philosophical texts.

Activities in class: close reading of texts, followed by a general discussion.

The course consists of close reading of texts pertaining to the Arabic philosophical tradition with a focus on pre-modern texts (in Arabic). Topics change each year. In 2014-2015: free-will and determinism, with texts pertaining to kalam and falsafa, read in light of fatwas and short legal texts (on avoiding plague or not, on suicide, etc.), that will help identify practical implications of the debate.

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