Philosophy and Theology Overview

Eternal and unchanging, unlike earthly cities.

Spiritual growth, not punishment, according to Augustine.

Misuse of free will, not a separate entity.

Reflects God's wisdom, not arbitrary chance.

Earthly (pride) and heavenly (godly love).

Result of original sin, according to Augustine.

Linear, progressing toward redemption, not cyclical.

Even enemies respect Christian sanctuaries.

God's qualities (wisdom, justice, power) are completely unified in God's essence, not separate qualities.

God exists outside of time, possessing all time as a single, unchanging moment.

God is present everywhere (immanent) as the sustaining cause, yet not confined by creation (transcendent).

God's all-powerfulness allows humans free will, while ensuring God's purposes are fulfilled.

The infinite joy of God experienced by humans in heaven, increasing with the expansion of their capacity.

God is three distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) while being one, indivisible being, sharing the same substance.

God can be present, accessible, and simultaneously hidden and unapproachable.

God's time is different from human experience and exists outside of it.

A legal opinion (fatwa) examining the compatibility of philosophy and Islam, arguing philosophy is permissible and potentially obligatory.

Averroës argues that philosophy is a religious duty because it involves studying creation, leading to deeper understanding of God.

Averroës believed intellectual reasoning, not just revelation, was the most accurate tool for understanding divine truths.

Averroës believed it's permissible to learn from Greek philosophers, even if they didn't share the same faith, as sound reasoning transcends religious boundaries.

Averroës believed philosophy and Islamic law were compatible.

Term used to refer to the Creator, God, in the context of philosophical study.

Interpreting religious texts symbolically or figuratively, rather than literally.

Averroes's works garnered little attention until the 19th century, overshadowed by al-Ghazali and regarded controversial.

Stoicism discourages deep attachment to material possessions, as one's worth isn't based on external assets, but rather internal values.

When parting with possessions, view it as returning something temporarily held, not a permanent loss, according to Epictetus.

Stoicism emphasizes social engagement; while inner peace is crucial, acting ethically within your community is fundamental.

Stoic empathy involves understanding rather than mirroring others' distress, recognizing it stems from their own internal evaluations, not external events.

Stoicism views life events as roles in a play scripted by a divine force. Free will lies in performing your role well, not changing it.

Rationality (nous) connects humans to nature and each other in Stoicism. Identity and purpose stem from rationality, not external labels.

True wisdom in Stoicism is embodied, not boasted about. It's about silently practicing principles.

Stoic ethics relies on wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation; these are both the path and the goal of a fulfilling life.

Al-Razi outlines six core principles for living a philosophical life: Posthumous Consequences, Virtue over Pleasure, Struggle of Intellect and Desire, Divine Oversight, Pain versus Pleasure, and Natural Provisions.

The highest purpose of human existence is not bodily pleasure but seeking knowledge and justice.

Balancing intellect and desire involves controlling impulses for lasting satisfaction.

God rewards justice and knowledge, disproving ignorance, injustice, and unnecessary pain.

Endure pain only when it leads to a greater good or prevents greater suffering.

Enjoying life's pleasures is encouraged, but moderation prevents them from compromising intellect or morality.

Avoid inflicting unnecessary pain, whether on oneself or others. Pain is justified only when preventing greater harm or serving a higher purpose.

Epictetus stressed focusing on what we can control (our thoughts, choices) and accepting what we can't (external events).

Humans, as higher beings, may use animals for survival, but must avoid unnecessary cruelty. Dangerous animals may be killed for safety and balance.

Stoicism aims to align our actions with reason and nature, leading to inner peace and freedom.

Augustine's Confessiones details his personal journey to faith, exploring themes of human nature, sin, grace, and the search for truth.

De Civitate Dei contrasts the "City of Man" (earthly, temporal) with the "City of God" (spiritual, eternal) to explain history and human nature.

Anselm argues that God exists because the concept of God includes necessary existence. If God is conceivable as the greatest being, then He must exist.

Anselm's motto "fides quaerens intellectum" captures the idea that faith should lead to deeper understanding and reason.

Aquinas aimed to harmonize Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, creating a framework for understanding faith through reason.

Scholasticism, prominent during the Middle Ages, emphasized logical reasoning and systematic analysis of religious doctrines and texts.