This reading group will focus on Avicenna’s innovations in the concepts of necessary and contingent existence, ontological dependence, and causation within his metaphysics. While Avicenna’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Aristotelian thought, he departs from Aristotle in significant ways, particularly in his treatment of these topics. This distinct treatment of these concepts has had a lasting influence on both Islamic and Western philosophy. The primary goal of the group is to engage with Avicenna's complex text, carefully reading through its dense and often challenging passages together, while helping each other understand and unpack the arguments presented. At the beginning of each session, I will provide some contextual background for those who may not be familiar with Islamic and Aristotelian philosophy, ensuring that all participants, regardless of their prior knowledge, can engage meaningfully with the material.
The readings will be based on the following translation: Avicenna, and Michael E Marmura. The Metaphysics of The Healing : A Parallel English-Arabic Text = al-Ilahīyāt Min al-Shifāʼ. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 2005.
Introductory reading (not covered directly in and not required for the reading group): Goodman, Lenn Evan. Avicenna. 1st ed. London ; Routledge, 1992.
