Abstract

LOPEZ FARJEAT, Luis Xavier. Averroes' Criticism against al Ghazali's and the Asharites' Determinism. Diánoia [online]. 2009, vol.54, n.63, pp.115-132. ISSN 0185-2450.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the kasb doctrine, or "acquisition doctrine", formulated by one of the most important Islamic theological sectors, i.e., the Asharites. This doctrine raises a complex question: Who is the actual agent of human actions? Is it human beings or is it God? The most renowned Asharite who tried to solve these questions is al-Ghazali. After explaining how problematic the acquisition doctrine is, I will analyze Averroes' arguments in the Incoherence of the Incoherence in order to find out if they really refute the Asharite determinism.

Keywords : Arabic/Islamic philosophy; Asharite theology; Islamic determinism; al-Ghazali; Averroes.