Dutch philosopher Michiel Leezenberg demonstrates the tradition of religious criticism and philosophical freethinking in classical Islam.
In his lecture Inleiding tot de filosofische traditie binnen de islam [Introduction to the Philosophical Tradition in Islam], Leezenberg refutes the cliché that Islam has no Enlightenment tradition, and zooms in on two important thinkers from the classical period: Al-Farabi and Abu Bakr al-Razi. In the accompanying text Vrijdenken binnen de islam [Free-thinking within Islam] he talks about classical Islamic civilization, and sheds light on the work of certain philosophers and free-thinkers from that period. Their relevance today, including in the general debate on Islam, is also discussed.
The lecture and text will be available on the websites of Crosstalks and Moussem. The lecture of Michiel Leezenberg is in Dutch, but subtitled in French and English. The text will be available in French, Dutch and English.
Part of Critical Thinking within Islam, a series of talks presented by VUB Crosstalks and Moussem. Contrary to common perception, Islam has been nurtured and questioned throughout history by philosophers and dissidents, and to this day lives a fascinating culture of debate that is at odds with the delusion of a 'pure', unchanging religion. The series will feature a range of great thinkers whose lectures and essays offer remarkable insights into a rich philosophical and intellectual tradition.
Photo overview page: Michiel Leezenberg
