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Hampshire College • Science in Muslim Society Lecture
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Hampshire College • Science in Muslim Society Lecture

Historical and Contemporary Muslim Engagements in Science

Introduction to the Panel Discussion

  • The panel discussion focuses on historical and contemporary Muslim engagements, particularly in the context of science and religion.
  • The event is being recorded for future viewing on the Hampshire website.

Science, Islam, and Education

  • The intersection of science and Islam is increasingly relevant due to current political climates affecting perceptions.
  • Many Muslims are entering universities for the first time, leading to a new generation influenced by scientific understanding.

Historical Context

  • There are significant changes occurring today compared to historical shifts seen in Europe 100-200 years ago.
  • Discussions often focus on historical contributions of Muslims to science rather than contemporary developments.

Current Scientific Endeavors

  • Modern astronomical projects mirror historical Islamic contributions, showcasing ongoing engagement with science.
  • Public figures express varied opinions about Muslims' roles in leadership positions, reflecting broader societal attitudes.

Misconceptions About Muslim Contributions

  • While acknowledging past achievements during the Middle Ages, there is a need to address misconceptions about current Muslim contributions.
  • Questions arise regarding what makes Muslim engagement unique or typical within the broader scientific community.

Collaborative Projects in Science

  • An example of modern collaboration includes SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East), located in Jordan.
  • This project exemplifies international cooperation despite geopolitical tensions surrounding discussions about groups like ISIS.

Purpose of Today's Discussion

  • The John Templeton Foundation initiated this discussion approximately a year and a half ago, seeking insights into Muslim engagements with science.
  • Researchers expressed uncertainty about how to approach this complex topic involving history, science accuracy, and interpretations of Islam.

Launching an Educational Portal

  • A new portal will be launched today as part of this initiative; it aims to provide resources related to science and Islam.
  • Dr. Vika Gardner has been instrumental in developing this portal over the past year with support from undergraduate students.

Features of the Portal

  • The portal contains over a thousand unique videos addressing various aspects of science and Islam.
  • Users can navigate through categories such as evolution while receiving feedback on video quality based on content relevance.

User Experience Enhancements

  • The portal's interface allows users to filter videos based on their interests without needing prior knowledge about specific subjects.
  • Each video entry provides detailed information including duration, topics covered, speakers involved, and comprehensive descriptions beyond typical YouTube summaries.

Exploring Video Content and Criteria for Selection

Criteria for Video Inclusion

  • The selection process aims to provide a comprehensive range of videos, ensuring that users can find specific topics like Copernicus easily.
  • Questions arise regarding the criteria used to select 200 videos from a pool of 1,000, highlighting concerns about including lower-quality content.
  • A diverse mix of video types was prioritized, including both long and short formats as well as varying quality levels.

Balancing Perspectives

  • Even less scientifically accurate videos are included if they offer visually interesting content, emphasizing the importance of variety in representation.
  • The evaluation of Islamic content includes recognizing that some interpretations may not align with mainstream views but still hold value in discussions.

Challenges in Content Evaluation

Language and Accessibility

  • Currently, only English videos with subtitles are available; future plans may include non-English content.

Ongoing Discussions on Quality Assessment

  • The team grapples with questions about how to assess video quality effectively, indicating an ongoing struggle to establish clear evaluation standards.
  • The motivation behind the portal's creation is likened to platforms like Snopes.com or Rotten Tomatoes, aiming to clarify video credibility.

Insights from Dr. George Saliba on Islamic Science

Historical Context and Research Focus

  • Dr. Saliba discusses his extensive research into later Islamic civilization, challenging traditional notions of its "golden age."
  • He argues that the true golden age occurred after the 13th century and shares methodologies for assessing originality during this period.

Contributions to Knowledge Production

  • Visual aids illustrate how commentaries evolved post-13th century, showcasing original contributions versus mere authorship signals in scholarly work.

Astronomical Insights and Mathematical Innovations

Commentary on Al-Majesti

  • The speaker discusses a text titled Pahrir al-Majesti, which serves as a new commentary on the renowned astronomical work, Al-Majesti.

Critique of Previous Astronomers

  • The speaker emphasizes that rather than merely criticizing past astronomers for their failures, he asserts his capability to provide superior solutions.

Development of Mathematical Theorems

  • A specific theorem was initially written in 1247, but by 1259, its broader implications were recognized, leading to a formal mathematical proof.

Motion Dynamics Explained

  • The speaker draws an analogy between the theorem's application and how car engines convert linear motion into circular motion through pistons and wheels.

Historical Validation of Theorems

  • Remarkably, this same theorem was later proven by Copernicus during the Renaissance, illustrating its enduring significance in astronomy.

The Evolution of Geometric Concepts

Linguistic Connections in Geometry

  • A comparison is made between Arabic and Latin terms used in geometry, highlighting discrepancies in naming conventions among mathematicians.

Legacy of Tusi and His Commentators

  • Tusi is positioned within an era perceived as declining; however, subsequent commentators build upon his work with innovative ideas.

New Commentary Contributions

  • One commentator critiques earlier works on Tazkira, indicating that previous attempts failed to resolve significant problems within the text.

Innovative Problem Solving Techniques

Discovery Through Collaboration

  • The speaker reflects on discovering valuable insights from others' works while also acknowledging personal intellectual contributions.

Confidence in Original Ideas

  • This commentary showcases a confident creator who integrates new ideas into existing frameworks while maintaining originality.

Challenges in Astronomy

Observational Difficulties with Mercury

  • Mercury is described as notoriously difficult to observe due to its proximity to the Sun, complicating accurate data collection about it.

Mathematical Solutions and Their Implications

Leveraging Past Failures for Innovation

  • An earlier astronomer's failure becomes a catalyst for creating a lasting legacy through innovative problem-solving techniques.

Visual Mathematics Comparison

  • A visual analysis reveals significant differences between contemporary mathematics and Ptolemy's simpler methods from around 150 AD.

Diverse Approaches to Problem Solving

Multiple Solutions Concept

  • The speaker highlights the ability to solve problems using various methods, emphasizing that natural phenomena can have multiple valid solutions.

Transforming Mathematical Language

Mathematics as Descriptive Language

  • There’s an assertion that mathematics serves as another language for describing nature effectively.

Mechanisms Behind Scientific Production

Diagrams vs. Textual Explanations

  • A discussion arises regarding why certain scholars avoid diagrams; it leads into exploring how scientific knowledge is produced without them.

Originality vs. Commentary Tradition

Unique Contributions Over Regurgitation

  • It’s argued that many commentaries fail to add original content; instead, they often repeat prior works without substantial innovation.

Joy of Discovery in Mathematics

Emotional Connection with Problem Solving

  • The joy experienced by mathematicians when solving complex problems is likened to profound moments of realization akin to those felt by historical figures like Napoleon.

Characterizing Scientific Achievements

Miraculous Nature of Solutions

  • Achieving significant mathematical solutions is described as almost magical or miraculous due to their complexity and beauty.

Critique of Traditional Scholarship

Call for Originality

  • There's criticism directed at scholars who merely rehash old texts without contributing original thoughts or insights.

Understanding the Golden Age of Islam and Scientific Discourse

The Concept of the Golden Age

  • Discussion on the misconception that Muslim contributions during the Golden Age were merely a transmission of Greek knowledge to the Enlightenment, emphasizing a need for deeper understanding.

Modes of Knowledge Production

  • Comments on how scientific knowledge was produced in pre-modern Islamic contexts, highlighting differences from contemporary methods.

Defining Science in Pre-Modern Context

  • Exploration of what constitutes science in the pre-modern world, questioning modern definitions and frameworks.

Interconnectedness of Disciplines

  • Description of an organic scientific enterprise where various disciplines like physics, metaphysics, and logic are interconnected and inform one another.

Evolution of Scientific Texts

  • Overview of how major theories were established by the 13th century, with new proofs and corrections emerging as part of ongoing scholarly engagement.

The Complexity of Islamic Scientific Tradition

Integration with Theology

  • Notable mention that even theological texts contain sections on astronomy, indicating a complex tradition distinct from modern scientific thought.

Hierarchical Structure in Sciences

  • Explanation of how different sciences relate hierarchically within pre-modern Muslim traditions, reflecting pedagogical approaches to learning.

Legal Theory and Logic's Role

  • Insight into how legal theory expands discussions about science and logic's evolution as a self-reflective discipline post-13th century.

Muslim Scientific Discourse: Common Trees and Glosses

Nature of Scholarly Dialogue

  • Most discourse occurs through common trees and glosses where scholars build upon each other's arguments within established texts.

Example Analysis: Praise for God

  • Examination begins with a line praising God that raises questions about conceptualization and definition within philosophical discourse.

In-depth Commentary

  • Reference to Fadliah Khairabadi’s extensive gloss on Qadi Mubarak’s commentary illustrates deep analytical engagement with foundational texts.

Exploring the Depth of Islamic Commentaries

The Nature of Scholarly Conversations

  • The commentaries and gloss traditions are likened to an ongoing conversation in a coffee shop, illustrating their depth and continuity.
  • Over decades, these conversations show a progression and development of arguments that evolve in new directions.

Contextualizing Questions in Tradition

  • Questions about acceptance of theories, such as heliocentrism, must be embedded within the context of existing texts and arguments within the tradition.
  • Accepting certain scientific theories implies embracing specific traditions; for instance, Copernicus did not provide superior predictive models.

Progress Within Traditions

  • Understanding progress in scholarly conversations requires familiarity with the tradition's commentaries and glosses.
  • Scholars hypothesize about objects within disciplines, reflecting on foundational propositions.

Logic and Hypothetical Constructs

  • An example from a late 17th-century logic text discusses whether a proposition can form the basis for an entire science.
  • A proposition stating "If two is odd, then it is a number" serves as a hypothesis despite its incorrectness regarding 'two' being odd.

Paradoxes in Logical Discussions

  • Commentators explore constructing logic around impossible entities that do not exist but can still be discussed hypothetically.
  • Examples include paradoxical statements like "the square circle," which cannot be conceptualized due to inherent contradictions.

The Intersection of Logic and Astronomy

Insights from E.G. on Motion

  • E.G., a theologian referenced in discussions, posits ideas related to motion on a globe concerning points at different latitudes.
  • He explains that points on the equator move faster than those near the pole due to covering greater distances over time without intrinsic differences between them.

Internal Conversations Leading to Progress

  • Within logic and astronomy fields, introspection allows scholars to reflect on hypothetical objects leading to advancements in Muslim science through internal dialogues.

Contemporary Challenges in Science Education

Interconnected Disciplines

  • Discussing pre-modern Muslim science necessitates considering various interconnected disciplines for comprehensive understanding.

Engagement with Evolutionary Biology

Introduction to Dr. Abu Haif's Work

  • Dr. Abu Haif focuses on ant evolution; his research has been published in notable journals like Science while co-directing McGill Center for Islam and Science.

Personal Engagement with Islam and Science

  • Dr. Abu Haif shares personal experiences regarding challenges faced by scientists within Muslim contexts from an evolutionary biology perspective.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Improvement

Think Tank Initiatives

  • Collaboration among researchers aims to brainstorm solutions for enhancing science education policies across Muslim countries through historical perspectives.

Upcoming Workshops Addressing Challenges

Workshop Announcement

  • An upcoming workshop titled "Science, Teaching, and Contemporary Islamic Societies" will address various challenges faced by science education systems.

Personal Reflections on Scientific Discovery

Growing Up as a Scientist

  • Dr. Abu Haif reflects on his upbringing in a Muslim household while pursuing his career as an evolutionary biologist focused on ants.

The Importance of Discovery Environments

  • He emphasizes the need for supportive environments that foster moments of discovery among scientists within the Muslim world.

Introduction to Evolutionary Thinking

Overview of Discussion Points

  • The speaker aims to address three key topics within a limited timeframe, emphasizing the importance of initiating discussions on evolutionary thinking.

Influence of Evolutionary Ideas in Capitalism

  • John D. Rockefeller's immense wealth is highlighted as an example of how evolutionary thinking has influenced capitalism in the U.S., with his net worth reaching $366 billion in 2007.
  • A quote from Rockefeller states, "the growth of a large business is merely the survival of the fittest," illustrating how foundational capitalist ideas are rooted in evolutionary concepts.

Immigration and Cultural Change

  • The discussion touches on contemporary concerns regarding immigration, particularly refugees from the Middle East, and whether they threaten Western cultures by altering or replacing existing populations. This theme reflects an evolutionary perspective on cultural dynamics.
  • The speaker notes that while these ideas may seem absurd, they have historically led to violence and conflict, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of evolution beyond biological contexts.

Understanding Biological Evolution

Definition and Misconceptions

  • Evolution is defined broadly as "change over time," with biological evolution specifically referring to "descent with modification" from common ancestors. This definition emphasizes its factual basis rather than being merely theoretical.
  • The distinction between evolution as a fact versus the theory explaining its mechanisms is clarified; while facts support it, theories can vary among scientists regarding specific processes involved.

Challenges in Acceptance

  • The speaker identifies challenges faced by Muslims and educators when discussing evolution due to prevalent misconceptions and societal attitudes towards this scientific concept.

Misrepresentations of Evolution

Common Illustrations and Their Flaws

  • A popular cartoon known as "Monkey Taman" serves as a powerful yet misleading illustration of human evolution, perpetuating linear views that do not accurately represent evolutionary processes.
  • The speaker critiques this linear portrayal by referencing Aristotle’s outdated model which suggests a progression from inanimate matter through various life forms culminating in humans—an oversimplification that misrepresents actual evolutionary relationships.

Correcting Misunderstandings

  • It is emphasized that fungi are more closely related to animals than plants, challenging traditional notions about life's hierarchy based on simplistic transformations between categories like fungi, plants, and animals.
  • A more accurate representation of evolution is described as a branching tree structure rather than a straight line; this illustrates how all organisms share common ancestors without implying direct transformation from one form to another (e.g., plant to animal).

Understanding the Intersection of Evolution and Islamic Teachings

The Nature of Life Forms

  • The discussion begins with the classification of life forms, emphasizing that the shared ancestor was a single-celled organism, distinct from plants, fungi, or animals.

Quranic References to Creation

  • A reference is made to Surah Tanur (35:45), highlighting that Allah created every animal from water, indicating a foundational element in creation.
  • The speaker clarifies their perspective as an evolutionary biologist, suggesting that they do not view these teachings as miraculous but rather as part of a natural process.

Stages of Human Creation

  • The speaker encourages examining Quranic verses regarding human creation to understand the materials involved in this process.
  • They mention various materials referenced in the Quran such as clay and leech-like blood, indicating a multi-faceted approach to human origins.
  • Emphasizing personal interpretation, they note that creation is depicted in stages rather than a singular event.

Evidence for Evolutionary Processes

  • The speaker points out that humans are described as being created through diverse stages, aligning with evolutionary biology's gradual development concept.
  • This notion reinforces the idea that creation occurred over time through multiple steps rather than instantaneously.

Consistency Between Islam and Evolution

  • The speaker asserts there is consistency between Islamic teachings and evolutionary theory, advocating for an understanding beyond traditional interpretations.
  • They stress the importance of distinguishing between what is written in the Quran and how scholars interpret those texts regarding evolution.

Historical Context and Natural Selection

  • Darwin's introduction of natural selection is acknowledged as a significant mechanism for evolution; however, historical context requires further exploration by historians.
  • Mentioning Al-Jahiz’s work "Kitab al-Haywan," written around 1820, raises questions about early concepts resembling natural selection before Darwin's time.
  • Al-Jahiz discusses animals' struggle for existence concerning resources and survival—an early reflection on ideas central to evolutionary theory.
Video description

“Historical and Contemporary Muslim Engagements with Science,” Monday, October 5, 2015 Hampshire College The Muslim world is currently going through enormous changes. This is not entirely surprising, as more than half the population in the Middle East, and in much of the larger Muslim world, is under the age of 25. This is also the first generation to have been fully affected by the spread of mass education in the region and the global technological revolution of the past two decades. It is therefore not a leap to predict that this generation will interpret Islam and shape its relation to the modern world for decades to come, and that these interpretations will be influenced by global concerns and technological developments. This panel brings together three eminent scholars from the fields of history of science, Islamic studies, and evolutionary biology to talk about ways Muslims have engaged with the sciences both historically and in the contemporary world. Panelist biographies: Dr. George Saliba 24:28 is professor of Arabic and Islamic Science in the department of Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University. Dr. Saliba is considered one of world’s leading authorities on the history of Arabic and Islamic Science. He is the author of Late Arabic Scientific Commentaries: Their Role and Their Originality (2014) and Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance (2007). Dr. Asad Ahmed 42:03 is associate professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies in the department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Ahmed specializes in early Islamic social history and pre-modern Islamic intellectual history, with a special focus on the rationalist disciplines, such as philosophy, logic, and astronomy. His current focus is the period ca. 1200-1900 CE, especially with reference to the Indian subcontinent. He is the author of The Religious Elite of the Early Islamic Hijaz (2011) and Avicenna’s Deliverance: Logic (2011) Dr. Ehab Abouheif 1:01:33 is professor and Canada Research Chair in Evolutionary Developmental Biology in the department of biology at McGill University, Canada. Dr. Abouheif’s primary research focuses on the evolution of ants and his articles have been published in prestigious journals, such as Science. He is also the co-director of the McGill Centre for Islam and Science, and is actively engaged in dialogue about Islam and evolution. Moderator: Dr. Salman Hameed 0:00 is the director of SSiMS. He is the Charles Taylor Chair and associate professor of integrated science and humanities at Hampshire College.