Developing Capacity in Islamic Philosophy and Theology in Jordan

As a path to creating academic research capacity in Islamic theology and science, we propose a two-year project to (1) increase the Phi Science Institute's membership, reach and programming and (2) strengthen its membership in analytic philosophy, analytic theology, and science and religion to prepare members for first-rate scholarly work on JTF projects in the future. While JTF projects often create opportunities to encourage philosophers to incorporate science into their philosophical and theological reflections, we propose starting with Phi-Science's highly-motivated and highly-skilled members (scientists) and train them from the ground up in analytic philosophy and theology. (1) is addressed by funding Project Director, Ahmad Jadallah, to work full-time for Phi Science and advance its goals (along with a funded administrative assistant). (2) is addressed by Kelly James Clark offering intensive training in analytic philosophy and theology to both large and small numbers of Phi Science’s mostly scientifically-trained members; in addition, we will host an annual, intensive workshop in Amman directed by a Western philosopher. Finally, at least one member per year will take courses in Baylor University's philosophy department. Our double aim then is to expand Phi-Science's geographical reach (throughout the Middle East) and its intellectual breadth and depth (both philosophically and theologically).