Evolution, Causality, and Transcendental Truths

Abstract

In this wide-ranging conversation, Wolfgang Smith, one of the leading philosopher and scientist and Muzaffar Iqbal discuss vari- ous aspects of evolution in the light of ancient wisdom and tran- scendental truths. The free-flowing exchange includes discussion on the emergence of new Muslim evolutionists, reflections on Ein- stein’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-Ghazālī’s arguments from the design of the beehives, and the need and limits of inter-religious discourse.