Teaching
Among other things, my teaching dossier includes sample syllabi for courses such as Islamic Philosophy and Philosophical Thinking (Intro to Philosophy). More details on these two courses are below.
Islamic Philosophy: Unity (of God), Islamic Economies, Feminism, Justice & Pleasure
I'm designing a course on the rich intellectual tradition of Islamic philosophy, tracing its historical evolution and engaging with both prominent and lesser-known thinkers, including female Islamic philosophers. The course will explore the intersections between Islamic and western philosophical traditions, while addressing key theological, metaphysical, ethical, and epistemological challenges within the Islamic context.
Philosophical Thinking (Intro to Philosophy)
I'm designing an introductory philosophy course that revolves around certain accessible philosophical puzzles from different philosophical areas (e.g., Sorites Paradox, Trolley / Surgeon Problem, Zeno's Paradox, Ship of Theseus, etc). I think this is an ideal gateway into the discipline. Through puzzles, students quickly see how seemingly ‘trivial’ or ‘party trick’ questions can lead to profound issues about the boundaries of concepts and the limits of human understanding. Puzzles like (those outlined in my syllabus) present concrete and tangible challenges. Unlike traditional philosophical questions, puzzles resist easy answers, forcing students to analyze assumptions, identify contradictions, and construct logical arguments. Moreover, puzzles foster intellectual humility. Many of the most famous puzzles in philosophy remain unresolved (although some have been solved). This teaches students that uncertainty and open-ended inquiry are not failures but essential aspects of philosophical thinking. By working through puzzles, students become comfortable with uncertainty and learn to appreciate the richness of philosophical exploration. Puzzles also have a lasting impact. Their simplicity and elegance make them memorable, encouraging students to revisit them long after the course ends. A discussion about the Trolley Problem might inspire further exploration of bioethics or political philosophy, while grappling with the Hard Problem of Consciousness could spark interests in neuroscience or artificial intelligence. Puzzles not only introduce students to philosophy but also open doors to broader fields of inquiry.