110-210 Muslim Philosophy and Thought

This subject is an introduction to Islamic philosophy and theology, tracing the major developments from their emergence to the present day. The subject will survey the early theological debates within their intellectual and socio-political contexts; the roots of the Sunni/Shi'i split, and the subsequent developments which led to the formation of theological schools within these two traditions; the translation of Greek philosophical works into Arabic; the development of philosophical schools in the Muslim world; and key contributions made by Muslim philosophers. Students will be introduced to some of the key works of great philosophers such as Ibn Sina, al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd. On completion of the subject students should be familiar with the early theological debates in the Muslim world, and their and socio-political contexts.

Written work not exceeding 4000 words.

Selected texts from various sources will be available.