Spring 2021 catalog is now live!

To determine if a course is remote, hybrid, or in-person use the catalog search tool to narrow results. Otherwise, when browsing courses, the section indicates teaching mode:

R = Remote
H = Hybrid
0 = In-person

Teaching modes (remote, hybrid, in-person) are subject to change at any point. Please pay close attention when registering. Depending on the timing of a teaching mode change, faculty also may be in contact with students.

REL 238
Faith and Rationality in Islam: Skepticism and the Quest for Certainty Spring 2021
Division II

Class Details

Religious faith is generally perceived as being diametrically opposed to reason and rationality. Islam in particular is often assumed to be even more dogmatic in its demand for blind unquestioning faith. This course will explore the lively debates among Muslim theologians regarding the complex relationship between faith, rationality, and skepticism. Is faith compatible with reason and rationality? Can the foundations of Islamic belief be proven to be true? Are there limits to what can be known rationally? Are people justified in holding religious beliefs? Does faith require absolute certainty? What room is there for doubt and skepticism in Islam? We will explore these questions through an array of primary and secondary readings in Islamic theology, philosophy, and mysticism from the medieval period.
The Class: Format: seminar
Limit: 10
Expected: 5-10
Class#: 5568
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: essays and exams
Prerequisites: none
Distributions: Division II
Attributes: PHIL Related Courses

Class Grid

Updated 10:14 am ET

Course Catalog Search


(searches Title and Course Description only)
TERM




TEACHING MODE
SUBJECT
DIVISION



DISTRIBUTION



ENROLLMENT LIMIT
COURSE TYPE
Start Time
End Time
Day(s)