The Faculty of Theology and Religion was delighted to welcome colleagues, students and guests to Professor Frank Griffel's inaugural lecture, 'Double Truth and Multiple Rationalisms: Philosophy in Islam's Post-Classical Period', held at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities on 26 May 2026.
In the lecture, Professor Griffel explored the development of philosophy in the Islamic world after the twelfth century, revisiting assumptions about the decline of philosophical inquiry following opposition from religious authorities. Drawing on themes outlined in the lecture, he discussed the continued presence of philosophical inquiry in institutions of higher learning across the Islamic world and reflected on the variety of rational traditions that developed in the post-classical period.
The lecture offered an opportunity to engage with questions at the intersection of philosophy, theology and intellectual history, highlighting the complexity and diversity of intellectual traditions within Islam. Audience members were invited to consider how philosophical thought continued to evolve in new contexts and how different approaches to rational inquiry shaped scholarly debates over several centuries.
The event brought together members of the University and wider community to celebrate Professor Griffel's contributions to the study of Islamic philosophy and theology and his work within the Faculty of Theology and Religion.
The Faculty extends its congratulations to Professor Griffel on his inaugural lecture and thanks all those who attended.
