Open Knowledge Dialogues Scholarly conversations across open research networks

Description

Fondazione Università Ca’ Foscari and Edizioni Ca’ Foscari present Open Knowledge Dialogues, a forum dedicated to discussing scholarly publications released by the publishing house. The initiative brings together authors, series editors, and scholars to explore research outcomes and foster dialogue within international academic networks.

The event will focus on the volume Verifying the Truth on Their Own Terms, published by Edizioni Ca’ Foscari and available in open access. The book reconstructs a philosophical-theological debate held in 1466 at the court of Sultan Mehmed II, concerning the interpretation of divine unity (tawḥīd) within the Avicennian tradition.

Talk: “An Imperial Debate in Constantinople, 1466 – Lost for Centuries. Synthesizing Graeco-Arabic Philosophy and Islamic Theology in the Ottoman Empire”

In 1466, at the court of Mehmed II, a debate unfolded over how to interpret divine unity in light of Avicenna’s claim that in God necessity, existence, and quiddity coincide. Some theologians criticized this formulation—sometimes described as an “Avicenna’s Trinity” – as a threat to divine simplicity.

The lecture presents a recently rediscovered text of this debate, long believed lost. The exchange illustrates how post-classical Islamic scholars critically engaged with philosophical and theological traditions through the practice of taḥqīq, or intellectual verification.

Series presentation

The event will also introduce the book series Knowledge Hegemonies in the Early Modern World, which explores early modern knowledge cultures (c. 1450-1750) and the political, religious, and social forces shaping scientific and intellectual practices.

Format

Presentation followed by discussion and Q&A.

Participation

The event will take place in a hybrid format (in person and via video call). Registration is required at the following link: GOOGLE FORM

Registered participants will receive the access link to the video call.

Speakers

• Efe Murat Balıkçıoğlu (Harvard University; Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)
• Pietro Daniel Omodeo (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)
• Giovanni Carrera (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)