Islam: Dialogue between Islam and philosophy

This topic explores the complex relationship between Islamic theology (kalam) and Greek philosophy (falsafa), focusing on how Muslim thinkers engaged with rational inquiry while maintaining their faith. It covers key debates from the 9th to 12th centuries, including the nature of God, creation, and the soul. Students will examine how philosophers like Al-Farabi, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), and Averroes (Ibn Rushd) sought to reconcile revelation with reason, often facing opposition from theologians like Al-Ghazali, who critiqued philosophy in his work 'The Incoherence of the Philosophers'.

Understanding this dialogue is crucial for AQA A-Level Religious Studies because it illustrates the dynamic nature of Islamic thought and its engagement with external intellectual traditions. It also raises enduring questions about faith and reason, which are central to philosophy of religion. The topic requires students to analyse primary texts, evaluate arguments, and consider the historical and cultural context of the Islamic Golden Age.

Within the wider subject, this topic connects to themes of revelation, prophecy, and the attributes of God. It also links to debates about free will and predestination, as philosophers often argued for a more rationalist approach. Mastery of this material will help students critically assess how religious traditions adapt to philosophical challenges, a skill applicable to other faith traditions studied in the course.