Muhammad Faruque
Join the live classDescription
This introductory course examines how emerging technologies are transforming our understanding of knowledge, ethics, intelligence, and the very notion of what it means to be human. By exploring the intersections of Islamic thought, the philosophy of technology, and contemporary debates on AI, the course offers a foundational framework for engaging critically and ethically with technological change. Topics include the ethical imperative to prioritize moral human development over the pursuit of moral AI, the contested possibility of AI consciousness, and the implications of viewing AI as either tools, collaborators, or reflective mirrors of human desires and limitations. We will also consider the spiritual and ethical responsibilities involved in shaping the future of AI, drawing on insights from Islamic philosophy and current scientific discourse.
Texts
Various readings available on the Institute website
Prerequisite
Although this course engages advanced themes, it is designed to be accessible to learners at all levels. No prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition is required.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the course, students will have developed the tools and perspectives necessary to thoughtfully engage with the Islamic tradition in general, and the themes covered in this course in particular.
Readings
Assigned readings are to be completed prior to each class (see Schedule of Meetings and Readings).
Class Structure
Each class is ninety minutes long, with fifty minutes allotted to the lecture and the remaining forty minutes to Q&A.
Q&A Protocol
Students may pose questions to the instructor via Zoom’s “raise hand” feature or its chat box. The instructor will respond to questions during and/or after the lecture.
Follow-Up
Students are welcome to contact the instructor outside of class for clarification, further discussion, or academic guidance.
Schedule of Meetings & Readings
January 9
Topic: Introduction: AI, Humanity, and Islamic Perspectives
Readings: Chaudhary, “Islam and Artificial Intelligence”
Inloes, “The Golem, the Djinni, and ChatGPT”
LeCun, Bengio, and Hinton, “Deep Learning for AI”
January 16
Topic: Moral AI or Moral Human Beings?
Readings: Bostrom, “Ethical Issues in Advanced Artificial Intelligence”
Faruque, “Opening Pandora’s Box”
Véliz, “Moral Zombies”
January 23
Topic: Consciousness: Islamic and Scientific Views
Readings: Faruque, Sculpting the Self, selections.
Faruque, “AI versus Human Consciousness”
Strawson, “The Consciousness Deniers”
Grève and Xiaoyue, “Can Machines Be Conscious?”
January 30
Topic: Knowledge and Intelligence: Islamic and Scientific Views
Readings: Chomsky, “The False Promise of ChatGPT”
Gottfredson, “Mainstream Science on Intelligence”
McCarthy, “What Is Artificial Intelligence?”
Yazdi, Principles of Epistemology in Islamic Philosophy, excerpts
February 6
Topic: AI and Human Identity: Tools, Mirrors, or Partners?
Readings: Alang, “AI Is a False God”
Fuchs, “Narcissistic Depressive Technoscience”
Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI Assistants, selected readings
February 13
Topic: Reflections and Futures: Toward a Spiritually Responsible Technology
Readings: Faruque, “Immortality through AI?”
Faruque, “We are Not Our Brains”
The Tokat Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies brings together a world-class faculty comprised of leading scholars from Oxford, Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, Columbia, Yale, and the University of Toronto. Our professors are internationally recognized for their groundbreaking research, public engagement, and commitment to advancing the study of Islam at the highest intellectual level.
Enroll NowThe most valuable aspect of the course was;
“Discovering that Islam is so much deeper than I thought it was. I've been searching for the longest time for something within Islam that was intellectually satisfying… I really hope you'll do more of these courses!”
The thing i liked about this most was;
“Its profound exploration of the spiritual and intellectual foundations of reality in Islam—particularly how metaphysical principles connect the Divine, cosmos, and human soul.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course for me was gaining a deeper understanding of the foundations and significance of Muslim metaphysics.”
“I’m very grateful to attend his astonishing lectures this fall initiated by the Tokat Institute. Barakallah.”
“Clarified my understanding of what Islamic metaphysics is, which I hadn’t understood, and the destructive influence of empiricism and related modern ideas/mindsets. This is a very freeing thing!”
“Prof. Rustom, with his cheerful manner and fluent expression, made even difficult concepts understandable in simple language.”
“Very pleasurable to hear God spoken of in the context of an academic frame.”
“It was delightfully difficult and changed my way of looking at things.”
“Professor Rustom’s … joy and humour and clear love for this made me enjoy every moment. Truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.”
“Very happy with the course and I hope there will be more similar courses in the future.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course was the presence, wisdom, experiences, and discourses of beloved Mohammed Rustom. Following that is the amazing book he has written. What a gem. Great translations. Organized beautifully.”
“Absolutely amazing! please offer more of the same! Please!”
The most valuable aspect of the course for me was understanding how Islamic teachings integrate spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. It helped me see health not just as a medical condition, but as a holistic balance rooted in faith, ethics, and compassion.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for the positive influence you've had in my life and the lives of those around me. Your lectures continue to inspire me to explore alternative paths and to support others in their healing journeys.
The course provided a powerful argument in support of alternative healing through holistically making the learners identify with the entirety of life than just material and physical form.
