Doctoral Candidate Seminar Series: “Philosophy and Revelation in al-Ghazali’s the Niche of Lights”
What can reason and philosphy contribute to our understanding of scripture and religion? This question was at the center of a dialogue between Avicenna, al-Ghazali, and Averroes that had a significant impact on medieval Muslims, Jews, and Christians. This talk will examine the commentaries of Avicenna and al-Ghazali on the “Light Verse” (Qur’an 24:35), exploring al-Ghazali’s relationship with philosophy through a consideration of this work The Niche of Lights and its subsequent reception.
Scott M. Girdner is a graduate student in the Department of Religion at Boston University and a former Fellow of the Institute for the Study of Muslim Societies and Civilizations. his research is focused on Muslim traditions of philosphical and mystical interpretation of scripture and their reception in Christian and Jewish tradition.
February 28, 2007 – 745 Commonwealth Avenue – 4pm.