MST3311H: Topics in Medieval Metaphysics

In this course we focus on the metaphysics of Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna, d. 1037), perhaps the most original and influential metaphysician in classical Islamic philosophy. Our focus is on the Metaphysics of his main work, the Healing or Cure, although some consideration is also given to Avicenna’s predecessors Al-Kindī (d. 870) and Al-Fārābī (d. 950), and to Avicenna's critical reception by al-Ghazālī (d. 1111) and ibn Rushd (Averroes, d. 1198). Topics to be covered include the conception of metaphysics as the study of being; the distinction between essence and existence; necessity and possibility; causality; universals and particulars; the existence and attributes of God.

Credit Value (FCE)

0.50

Campus(es)

St. George

School of Graduate Studies University of Toronto 63 St. George Street Toronto, ON Canada M5S 2Z9
Tel: 416-978-6614

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