Global Philosophy Research Interest Group Talk (Kara Richardson, Syracuse)

The Global Philosophy Research Interest Group is delighted to welcome as guest speaker Kara Richardson, an associate professor of Philosophy at Syracuse University. Dr. Richardson works primarily in the history of philosophy. She focuses on medieval Aristotelians, especially Avicenna, Aquinas, and Suarez, as well as on Descartes. Her research interests lie in the history of metaphysics, with a focus on causality. Dr. Richardson is also affiliated with Women’s and Gender Studies, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies at Syracuse.

This is an online-only event.

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Talk Title

Avicenna on the Principle of Sufficient Reason and the “Same Cause-Same Effect” Principle

Talk Abstract

The “same cause-same effect” principle is usually associated with Hume, who regarded it as empirically supported. In this paper, I argue that Avicenna attempts to establish the “same cause-same effect” principle by appeal to the Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR). The context is a discussion of voluntary motion in Metaphysics IX.2 of The Book of Healing. The main aim of the paper is to advance research on Avicenna’s use of the PSR and its role in his account of (efficient) causation. A second aim is to examine the role of the PSR in his account of the cognitive principles of voluntary agency.

The Global Philosophy Research Interest Group explores the benefits of drawing on diverse traditions of thought in approaching philosophical questions. These include novel insights into familiar problems, new questions and research directions, and fresh methodologies. We work to deprovincialize and decolonize all aspects of philosophy in the academy. The group currently has strengths in Sanskrit philosophy, and Chinese philosophy, Indian philosophy in English, and classical Islamic philosophy.