Working Group Session 1

Goals

Review the major concepts regarding types of knowledge related to the Ash’ari and Maturidi doctrinal schools
Review the epistemiological theories of Ghazali, Farabi and Ibn Rushd related to the evaluation of ‘scientific’ data
Generate a conceptual mapping of terms related to knowledge in usul al-fiqh (epistemic authority and evidence)
Introduce the ‘types’ of modern scientific knowledge and the methodology

Saturday April 12th (9-6):

9:15-10am: Introduction to Working Group [method & rubric] & Logistical Matters – Dr. Aasim
10-10:30: How we got here: A history of the 2 core questions of the project & Proposed Outputs – Aasim 10:30-11: Open discussion
11-1: Reflections on how to address the 2 questions, gaps in knowledge related to the questions and implications for Islamic theology & biomedicine when questions are answered in a certain way- Each member of the group (20 min)
1-2: Zuhr break and lunch
2-3: Mu’tazilite Epistemological Frameworks (revelation, reason, empiricism)- Sh. Omar Qureshi
3:00-3:10- Break
3:10-4: Maturidi Epistemological Frameworks (revelation, reason, empiricism)- Shaykh Amin
4-4:45: Ash’ari Epistemological Frameworks (revelation, reason, empiricism)- Us. Taha Abdul Basser
4:45-5:15- Break
5:15-6: Comparing & Contrasting the views & Conceptual Definitions- Group Discussion
6pm- Asr
7:45-9pm: Dinner at local restaurant

Sunday April 13th (11-530p):

11-11:45: Ghazalian Classification of Knowledge – Sh. Omar Qureshi
12-12:45: Ibn Rushd’s Classification of Knowledge –Sh. Omar Qureshi
12:45-1:45- Zuhr & Lunch
1:45-2:30- Group Discussion of the classifications and points of departure
2:30-3:15- Review of Concepts regarding knowledge in law, ethics, and evidence- Us. Taha Abdul Basser
3:15-4: Types of science and methodology (social science, medical, metaphysics, theological)- Dr. Ahsan
4-4:15- Break
4:15- 5:30- Group discussion on next steps and assignments
5:30- Asr followed by departure.