Philosophy in the Abrahamic Traditions

International Live Video Workshop on

Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna)

8-10 June 2015

Update: Many thanks to our presenters and participants for a delightful philosophical meeting.

Presented by the Departments of Philosophy at

the University of Denver and Marquette University

and

the University of Denver’s Center for Judaic Studies

Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna)

Featuring expert keynote presentations by

Peter Adamson (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich)

(video of presentation; video of discussion)

Olga Lizzini (Freie Universiteit Amsterdam)

(video of presentation; video of discussion)

Jon McGinnis (University of Missouri at St. Louis)

(video of presentation; video of discussion)

Video of general discussion

With moderated conversation and text seminars by:

Luis López-Farjeat (Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City)

R. E. Houser (University of St. Thomas, Houston)

Sarah Pessin (University of Denver)

Organizers:

Prof. Sarah Pessin, University of Denver

&

Prof. Richard C. Taylor, Marquette University

First held at Marquette University in 2008, this Summer Conference alternates between the University of Denver and Marquette University.

Starting in summer 2014 the format will change to an annual Workshop.

Workshop Format & Schedule

Fees: none

Coffee or tea may be purchased on campus not far from the event location.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available either on campus

or just off campus.

WiFi Access at the Sturm College of Law (SCOL):

User Name: guest

Password:  tbd

For a campus map, click HERE.

Event Campus Location:

University of Denver

Sturm College of Law (SCOL)

Rooms 412 & 413

2255 E. Evans Ave.

Denver, CO 80208

For a map and directions see the bottom of this webpage.

Monday 8 June 2015

Sturm College of Law (SCOL)

Room 412

9:00 am - 9:55 am US Mountain Time : Mohammad Azadpur, San Francisco State University  “Avicenna on the Intentionality of the Sensory”

10:05 am - 11:00 am US Mountain Time : Michael Fatigati, University of Toronto  “What Are We Talking About When We Talk About Powers of the Soul?”

11:10 am - 12:05 pm US Mountain Time : Nicholas Oschman, Marquette University, “Ibn Tufayl’s Endorsement of Avicenna’s Epistemological Account of Prophecy over the Farabian Model”

12:15 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm US Mountain Time : video presentation by Prof. Adamson and text seminar conducted by Prof. Luis López-Farjeat, Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City

4:00-4:30 pm US Mountain Time Break

4:30 - 6:30 pm US Mountain Time : video presentation by Prof. Lizzini and text seminar conducted by Prof. R. E. Houser, University of St Thomas, Houston

Dinner suggestions (forthcoming at event)

Tuesday 9 June 2014

Sturm College of Law (SCOL)

Room 412

9:00 am - 12 noon US Mountain Time / Central Europe 17h00 - 20h00 : live with all presenters in attendance for this three hour discussion

9:00 - 10:20 am US Mountain Time / Central Europe 17h00 - 18h20 : all presenters and attendees in live discussion of the presentation by Prof. Adamson

“From al-Rāzī to al-Rāzī: Platonist Views of Time and Place in the Islamic World”

Abstract:

Focusing on two philosophers named al-Razi (Abu Bakr and Fakhr al-Din), this presentation looks at how thinkers in the Islamic world saw Plato as defending a rival conception of time and place to the one defended by Aristotle. On the "Platonic" view, time and place are not dependent on motion and body, but are rather self-subsisting entities in their own right. In addition to discussing the sources of this conception, I look at the detailed defense of the theory offered by both Razi's.

Video presentation

10:20 am -10:40 am US Mountain Time / Central Europe 18h20-18h40 : coffee / tea break

10:40 am -12:00 pm US Mountain Time / Central Europe 18h40 - 20h00 : all presenters and attendees in live discussion of the presentation by  Prof. Lizzini

“Potency, power, potentiality as key-concepts in Avicenna’s metaphysical system”

Abstract:

My intent is to focus on some key concepts of Aristotelian (and Neoplatonic) metaphysics – potentiality, power and potency – which should be recognized as central to Avicenna’s metaphysics. I take potentiality in a very broad sense and I shall attempt to present the definition Avicenna himself gives of both potency (quwwa) and power (qudra). Indeed, the analysis of the concept of potentiality allows us to get to the heart of Avicenna’s metaphysics, while also revealing some of the relevant problems: if it is true that potency and act are among the proper accidents of the existent qua existent (see Ilāh. I, 1, pp. 7-8 and 14), it is also true that Avicenna does not include potency and act among the kinds of “status” of existence he lists in Ilāh. VI, 3 (p. 276, 12-14). If it is true that in some texts he seems to equate potency and possibility (e.g. Ilāh., I, 4, p. 25, 4), it is also true that possibility cannot considered to be identical to potency. My object is to highlight some of the theoretical elements that seem relevant to Avicenna’s conception of potentiality. In so doing I shall analyze different concepts: potentiality (in the sense of reception and as a principle of becoming), possibility, matter, and finally power (qudra). I shall refer for the most part, although not exclusively, to Avicenna’s Metaphysics, the Ilāhiyyāt of K. al- Šifā’ (and particularly to Ilāh. IV, 2).

12:00 - 2:00 pm US Mountain Time: Lunch

2:00-4:00 pm US Mountain Time : video presentation by Prof. McGinnis and text seminar conducted by Prof. Sarah Pessin, University of Denver

Dinner suggestions (forthcoming at event)

Wednesday 10 June 2014

Sturm College of Law (SCOL)

Room 413

9:00 am - 12 noon US Mountain Time / 17h00 - 20h00 Central Europe/ 10 am - 1 pm US Central : live with all presenters in attendance for this three hour discussion

9:00 am -10:20 am US Mountain Time / 17h00-18h30 Central Europe / 10 am - 11:20 am US Central: all presenters and attendees in live discussion of the presentation by Prof. McGinnis:

“A Matter of Priorities: Avicenna’s Solution to Meno’s Paradox and Its implications for the Sciences”

 

Abstract:

 

Most of us probably take for granted that teaching and learning are not merely possible but in fact go on all the time. One of the oldest and most famous (or infamous) arguments challenging this assumption is Meno’s Paradox, which historically has been a catalyst for innovations in epistemology and cognitive psychology. In fact the paradox was still generating epistemological speculation by no less a thinker than Avicenna (980–1037), who in response to it developed an elaborate and detailed account of the priority relation involved in the stages of scientific inquiry and knowledge acquisition.

            While Michael Marmura has offered a translation of and brief commentary on Avicenna own solution to Meno’s paradox, his focus was the solution to the paradox itself rather the detailed theory of scientific inquiry that it entails. The present study contextualizes Avicenna’s solution within his account of knowledge’s various priority relations and general theory of scientific inquiry. It further provides examples from Avicenna’s own physics and metaphysics showing that the process of scientific investigation outlined in response to Meno’s paradox is indeed the very way that Avicenna approaches philosophical questions in other works.

10:20 am - 10:40 am US Mountain Time / 18h20 - 18h40 Central Europe / 11:20 am - 11:40 am US Cental : coffee / tea break

10:40 am - 12:00 pm US Mountain Time / 18h40 - 20h00 Central Europe / 11:40 am - 1:00 pm US Central : all presenters and attendees in live discussion closing the conference. Discussion among all on any matters or issues related to the presentations or the thought of Avicenna.

12:00 - 2:00 pm US Mountain Time : lunch

2:00 - 4:00 US Mountain Time : Meeting on projects and activities with the Aquinas and ‘the Arabs’ International Working Group and the organizers of the Philosophy in the Abrahamic Traditions Conferences.

LODGING, TRANSPORTATION & DIRECTIONS

PHILOSOPHY IN THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS

International Live Video Workshop on

Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna)

June 8-11, 2015

University of Denver

www.ABRAHAMICTRADITIONS.org

 

RECOMMENDED LODGING

HOTELS WITH DU RATES AND FREE SHUTTLES

Holiday Inn Denver-Cherry Creek 

455 S. Colorado Blvd.

Denver, CO 80246 

Amenities:

•Free Shuttle, M-F 7am to 9pm, to DU Campus/within 3 miles

•Daily hot buffet breakfast

•Indoor pool & fitness room

•Front Range Grill, Olive’s Martini Bar, and Starbucks in hotel

DU Rate: $99 includes breakfast

Ask for DU rate when booking

303-388-5561 or 1-888-388-6129 

Holiday Inn Website

HOTELS WITH DU RATES NEAR LIGHTRAIL STATIONS

COLORADO BLVD

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Denver Cherry Creek 

1680 South Colorado Blvd 

Denver, Colorado 80222 

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (North Lines E, F, or H to University of Denver Station)

•4 Blocks To Light Rail Station

•Complimentary Wi-Fi

•Free on-site parking garage

•Daily hot breakfast

•Easy access to downtown sports, amusement parks, shopping

DU Rate: Starting at $99 

Ask for DU rate when booking.

303-691-2223 or 800-690-9799 

Fairfield Inn & Suites Website

La Quinta Inn Cherry Creek 

1975 S. Colorado Blvd. 

Denver, CO 80222 

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (North Lines E, F, or H to University of Denver Station)

•1 Block From Light Rail Station

•Complimentary “Bright Side” Breakfast

•Complimentary Wi-Fi

•Outdoor heated pool

•Conveniently located near Cherry Creek Shopping District

DU Rate: $82 

Ask for DU rate when booking.

972-505-4516 

La Quinta Inn Website

DOWNTOWN:

The Ritz-Carlton, Denver 

1881 Curtis Street 

Denver, CO 80202 

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (South Lines E, F, or H to University of Denver Station)

•2 Blocks From Light Rail Station

•Easy access to theatre and business districts, 16th Street Mall, Coors Field and LoDo.

DU Rates starting at $199

303-312-3827

Enter booking code "U74" in "Corporate/Promo code" box on website

Ritz-Carlton Website

Denver Marriott City Center 

1701 California Street

Denver, CO 80202 

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (E, F, or H South to University of Denver Station)

•1 Block From Light Rail Station

•Located in heart of the city

•Easy access to 16th Street Mall, museums, shopping, and dining

•Complimentary Wi-Fi

•Renovated indoor fitness and pool areas

DU Rate: Starting at $109

Use promotional code: DNU

303-297-1300 or 800-228-9290 

Marriott City Center Website

DENVER TECH CENTER:

Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center 

7800 East Tufts Avenue

Denver, CO 80237

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (North Lines E or F to University of Denver Station)

•1 Block From Light Rail Station

•Ten minutes away from DU

•Complimentary high-speed internet

•42" flat screen TVs

•iHome docking stations

•Indoor pool

•Stay Fit @ Hyatt fitness center

DU Rate: $89 Fri-Sun; $135 Mon-Thu

Ask for DU rate when booking.

800-233-1234

Enter DU corporate number 49674

http://www.techcenterhyatt.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Denver Tech Center 

7801 East Orchard Road 

Greenwood Village, CO 80111-2508 

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (North Lines E or F to University of Denver Station)

•2 Blocks From Orchard Light Rail Station

•10 miles south of downtown Denver

•Close to Fiddlers Green Amphitheater, Park Meadows Mall

•Balcony and mountain-view rooms

•Complimentary parking

•Indoor and outdoor pools

•State-of-the-art fitness center

•Free cookies!

DU Rates: Starting at $139 Sun – Thu; $104 Fri – Sat 

Ask for DU rate when booking.

Hotel Phone and Reservations: 303-779-6161

Phone: 303-253-3993

http://www.denvertech.doubletree.com/

Marriott TownePlace Suites Hotel

Denver Southeast 

3699 S. Monaco Parkway

Denver, CO 80237

Amenities:

•Light Rail Access to DU (North Lines E, F, or H to University of Denver Station)

•2 Blocks From Light Rail Station

•Complimentary Wi-Fi

•Complimentary “Grab and Go” Breakfast

•Free parking

•On-site business services

DU Rates: 1-6 days-$84; 7-29 days-$79

Ask for DU rate when booking.

303-759-9393

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dentn-towneplace-suites-denver-southeast/?corporateCode=DNU

TRANSPORTATION & DIRECTIONS

Anderson Academic Commons (includes Penrose Library):

2150 East Evans Avenue, Denver, CO 80208

Sturm Hall at the University of Denver (location of Philosophy Dept and Judaic Studies):

Corner of Asbury and Race: 2000 E Asbury Ave., Ste 257; Denver CO 80208

Airport Transportation:

Fly into DEN (sometimes called DIA, Denver International Airport). Cab one-way is about $65-70. Super Shuttle is about $26 - visit: http://www.supershuttle.com

Car Service / Taxi / Shuttle phone numbers:

Freedom Cab – 303-292-8900 / Yellow Cab – 303-777-7777 / Union Taxi – 303-922-2222 /

Metro Taxi – 303-333-3333

Super Shuttle (you can use for a ride to the airport; you can book in advance) – 303-374-4164

General Directional Tip: Mountains = West

The mountains (which you can see most days off in the distance) are West. If you are walking towards the mountains, it is safe to assume you are heading West.

For an online DU campus map:

Online version (with downloadable PDF) at: http://www.du.edu/utilities/maps.html

You can also download the ‘DU’ app for iPhone and Android (it has the DU map on it)

Light Rail: The E, F and H lines stop at the University of Denver Station

Denver’s Light Rail system is operated by the Rapid Transit District (RTD) and is a very convenient way to access the University of Denver and downtown Denver (see below for directions from Red Lion hotel to DU by Light Rail). Trains run every 10 or 15 minutes.

•Location: The University of Denver light rail station is located at the north end of campus on Buchtel Blvd at High St. across from the Ritchie Center (the building with the gold spire visible from around campus).

•Get me from Anderson Academic Commons to DU Light Rail Station: You will exit the building through the main doors on the South side. Follow the brick sidewalk to your right, then veer right down the hill towards a stoplight and crosswalk. Once at the street, walk West (left) along the concrete sidewalk until your reach High Street. Head North along High Street (you will cross Evans Avenue) for approximately four blocks, until you reach the light rail station.

•Purchase tickets: Tickets can be purchased on the Light Rail platform all the way towards the parking garage area; ticket prices are a few dollars each way, and depend on which zone you are traveling to – details are on the touchpad screen. All stations now have machines that accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover), as well as cash.

•Hours: Trains operate from about 5 am until about 2 am, with enhanced service during the 6 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm peak periods.

•To get to downtown, take the F or H line North-bound to 16th and California. (Downtown is NORTH of campus).

•More info: www.rtd-denver.com

Bus Routes that Serve DU:

24: University Blvd; every 30 mins.

21: Evans Ave, Connects with the Evans Ave. Light Rail station; every 15 mins.

To access route schedules and maps, visit http://www.rtd-denver.com and enter the route number into the Route Schedule Quick Finder.

Bike Rentals on campus and across Denver:

Denver is one of the bike-friendliest cities in the US. There are bike lanes and trails all over, and we have recently begun a city bike rental system (called ‘B Cycle’) with kiosks filled with big red bikes across town – including one kiosk right outside of Nelson Hall and one right outside of Sturm Hall. Instructions for how to rent and return the bike (it’s all automatic at the site) are listed at the kiosk. For more info, visit: http://www.bcycle.com/

Supermarket walking distance from campus:

Safeway, SE corner of Evans and Downing – from campus, walk West on Evans Ave. about 7 blocks

Driving directions from I-25:

DU's campus is easily accessible from I-25, the main route running through the Denver metro area north/south. Campus lies just south and west of the intersection of I-25 and University Blvd. Exit I-25 at the University Boulevard exit. Go South on University Blvd, past the first intersection with a stoplight, then take a right onto Asbury Avenue.

Visitor Parking Lots at DU:

Visitor Parking lots can be found across campus, and charge $1.25/hour for up to 5 hours. Three visitor parking lots close to Anderson Academic Commons and Sturm Hall are:

•Lot 316  [“Sturm Hall Hourly Parking”] (corner of East Asbury Avenue and South Race Street; adjacent to Sturm Hall)

•Lot 302 [“Driscoll Center Hourly Parking”] (corner of East Evans Avenue and South Race Street)

•Lot 301/Lot E [“Race St. Hourly Parking”] (corner of East Evans Avenue and South High Street)

•Lot 305 (near corner of South University and East Warren, right off traffic circle near DU admin buildings)

Walking Directions to Sturm Hall from Parking Lots:

From Lot 316 (corner of East Asbury Avenue and South Race Street): Walk East across Race Street. The large brick building directly to the East of the parking lot is Sturm Hall.

From Lot 302 (corner of East Evans Avenue and South Race Street): Walk South along Race Street, approximately 50 yards. Sturm Hall will be the large brick building to your right.

From Lot 301/Lot E (corner of East Evans Avenue and South High Street): Exit the South side of the parking garage, turn left (East), and continue along the brick sidewalk until you reach a set of stairs between two buildings. Take the stairs up, then enter the building – the Driscoll Student Center – to your left. Once inside, go up the ramp and follow the bridge that crosses over the street below. Continue down the stairs on the other side of the bridge and exit the glass doors on the North side of the building. Sturm Hall will be the first building on your left.

Walking Directions to the Anderson Academic Commons (DU’s main library) from Parking Lots:

From Lot 316 (corner of East Asbury Avenue and South Race Street): Exit on the East side of the parking lot, turn right (South), and continue along the concrete sidewalk until you reach Evans Avenue. Turn left (East) and continue along the concrete sidewalk until you reach a crosswalk and traffic light (approximately one block). Use the crosswalk to cross Evans Avenue and continue up the hill on the other side using the brick sidewalk. Your destination will be the large building on the left.

From Lot 302 (corner of East Evans Avenue and South Race Street): Exit on the South side of the parking lot, turn left (East), and continue along the concrete sidewalk until you reach a crosswalk and traffic light (approximately one block). Use the crosswalk to cross Evans Avenue and continue up the hill on the other side using the brick sidewalk. Your destination will be the large building on the left.

From Lot 301/Lot E (corner of East Evans Avenue and South High Street): Exit the North side of the parking garage, turn right (East), and continue along the concrete sidewalk until you reach a crosswalk and traffic light (approximately one block). At this junction, turn right and head up the hill along the brick sidewalk. Your destination will be the large building on the left.

From Lot 305 (near corner of South University Blvd and East Warren Ave): Exit lot on West side. Head West along any of the brick sidewalks you see. You will see the Academic Commons across the large green space to your right.

Libraries on Campus:

DU’s main library collection is the Penrose Collection located inside the brand new Anderson Academic Commons building at the heart of campus (the site of our conference). Another library option while you are on campus is the library at the Iliff School of Theology which is just a few blocks from Sturm Hall: 2201 S. University Blvd. / Tel. 800.678.3360

Coors Fitness Center, on campus:

2201 E Asbury Ave. (this is the building with the gold spire); call for daily pass info: 303.871.3845.

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