Does the thought of a multicultural medieval philosophy surprise you? Do you believe those "dark ages" were mostly focused on religion and predominantly concerned with Christian theological discussions? If yes, it may well be that your views were shaped by historical narratives that are still, unfortunately, not that uncommon. It was after taking courses in … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Multicultural Medieval Philosophy
What Is Necessary Knowledge?
In philosophy, questions about the nature of knowledge are some of the oldest. They have kept philosophers busy for well over 2,000 years and continue doing so today. The branch of philosophy that tries to answer questions about knowledge - epistemology - is considered one of the core building blocks of philosophical thinking. However, philosophy … Continue reading What Is Necessary Knowledge?
Al-Ghazali and Artificial Intelligence
What can the 11th-century Islamic polymath, theologian and philosopher al-Ghazali tell us about artificial intelligence and the possibility of conscious machines, long before Alan Turing developed his imitation game, also known as the Turing test? It is impossible, moreover, to create knowledge in inanimate matter. For we understand by the inanimate that which apprehends. If … Continue reading Al-Ghazali and Artificial Intelligence
“All Are Ennobled by Truth” Quote by al-Kindi
The first Arabic philosopher, 9th century thinker al-Kindī, said that truth and wisdom are valuable regardless of where they come from. What did he mean?
Spreading the Word: “Philosopher of the Arabs”
Considered the first philosopher in the Islamic tradition and the first to write philosophy in Arabic, 9th-century thinker al-Kindī held that philosophy can help solve Islamic theological dilemmas. Philosophy professor and a life-long researcher of al-Kindī's works, Peter Adamson has written a book on this pioneering Islamic thinker (my review of it is coming soon) … Continue reading Spreading the Word: “Philosopher of the Arabs”
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