Evolution, Causality, and Transcendental Truths: Wolfgang Smith in conversation with Muzaffar Iqbal​

In this wide-ranging conversation, Wolfgang Smith, one of the leading philosopher and scientist and Muzaffar Iqbal discuss various aspects of evolution in the light of ancient wisdom and transcendental truths. The free-flowing exchange includes discussion on the emergence of new Muslim evolutionists, reflections on Einstein’s theory of relativity, Heisenberg’s insights on the impact of technology on non-Western cultures, Teilhard de Chardin and his views, the difference between vertical and horizontal causality, transcendent truths, Martin Lings’ insights into the nature of our times, Frithjof Schuon and his views on the transcendent unity of religions, Smith’s comparative work on Christianity and the Vedic traditions, al-Ghazali’s arguments from the design of the beehives, and the need and limits of inter-religious discourse.
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Keywords: evolution; theistic evolution; vertical causation; Teilhard de Chardin; Frithjof Schuon; Martin Lings; Muslim evolutionism; Einstein; Theory of Relativity; Patristic Age; St. Augustine; Platonist and the Vedic traditions.

Journal of Islamic Sciences, Vol. 16 (Summer 2023) No. 1

Wolfgang Smith

Wolfgang Smith graduated from Cornell at age eighteen with majors in physics, mathematics, and philosophy. He subsequently contributed a theoretical solution to the re-entry problem for space flight. After taking his doctorate in mathematics at Columbia, he served for thirty years as professor of mathematics at M.I.T., U.C.L.A., and Oregon State University. Smith then devoted himself to correcting the fallacies of scientistic belief, focusing on foundational problems pertaining to quantum theory and visual perception by way of the traditional tripartite cosmology. The Philos-Sophia Initiative Foundation’s documentary on his life and work, "The End of Quantum Reality", is now available on disc and digital platforms worldwide. Visit theendofquantumreality.com for more information.

Muzaffar Iqbal

Muzaffar Iqbal is the President of the Center for Islamic Sciences and the General Editor of the Integrated Encyclopedia of the Qurʾan.