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FALL 2025

Islamic Metaphysics

Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Join the live class
September 8, 2025 12:00 PM
(Local Timezone)
ONLINE COURSE
7-WEEK
TBA
LECTURES
MONDAYS | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST
TBA
FIRST CLASS
SEP 8, 2025
TBA

Description

This course offers an exposition of the Islamic metaphysical tradition, paying particular attention to how principial and divine knowledge are distinct from information or merely factual knowledge. In addition to advancing an argument in favor of integrating metaphysics at every level of one’s being, the course will also delve into various applications of Islamic metaphysics pertaining to the domains of religion, education, philosophy, art, ecology, and science.

Text

Nasr, What Is Metaphysics?

Download e-Book from the Publisher
https://equinoxonlinelibrary.com/book/58291/what-is-metaphysics
*The publisher is a third party and is not related to the Tokat Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies

Description and Texts

Prerequisite

  • This course has no prerequisites. It presupposes no prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition. 
  • It is open to both traditional and non-traditional learners (those who do not fit the standard profile of young, full-time students who enroll directly from high school). Anyone may enroll in this course provided they are deeply interested in the topic.

Structure of Class

  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Format: Lecture and Q&A
    • Lecture: 50–60 minutes
    • Q&A: 25–30 minutes
  • Some classes will include student activities.

Q&A Structure

  • Students may interact with the instructor directly by using the Zoom “Raise Hand” feature.
  • Students may also type their questions in the chat box.
  • Depending on the flow of the class, the instructor will decide whether to take questions during the lecture or at the end.

Follow-Up

  • Students are welcome to follow up with the instructor regarding any aspects of the class.
  • The instructor will respond either by email or during the next class session.

Readings

  • Students will be assigned readings before each class.
  • They are expected to complete the readings in advance to maximize their participation in class.

Outcome

  • In line with our educational philosophy, the Tokat courses “embrace an anthropocosmic perspective wherein one comes to actualize an awareness that integrates the rational, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of one’s being.” 
  • In general, these courses are meant to provide students with intellectual and spiritual resources to understand and explore the intellectual dimension of Islam. Such resources are indispensable in an age marked by misinformation and shallowness, when the pursuit of authentic knowledge has become increasingly elusive.

Schedule of Meetings & Readings

September 8

Topic: Where is Sophia?

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, preface, and 1–26

September 15

Topic: The Meaning and Significance of Metaphysics

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 26–32

September 22

Topic: The Domain of Contingency I

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 33–48

September 29

Topic: The Domain of Contingency II

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 48–66

October 6

Topic: Applications of Metaphysical Principles I

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 67–77

October 13

Topic: Applications of Metaphysical Principles II

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 77–94

October 20

Topic: A Knowledge that Wounds the Soul

Readings: What Is Metaphysics?, 94–101

Instructor Bio
Seyyed Hossein Nasr