My dissertation will examine complex theological-philosophical speculations concerning the concept of nonbeing, or meontology, in the Medieval Islamic World. I will explain what semantic changes the transmission of Philoponian and Neoplatonic material from Greek into Arabic produced in the ontological and cosmological frame of the 9th century Muslim and Jewish writers. In large part, however, my study will focus on long-standing theological debates (mid-9th to 14th centuries) over the dialectical and logico-linguistic aspect of the concept of nonbeing.

On account of my interdisciplinary interest, I strongly believe that being part of the community of the Martin Marty Center will offer a unique opportunity to have a dialogue with other young scholars in various fields and gain insights from their different points of view. Following the text-centered tradition of the school, I am especially interested in how my University of Chicago colleagues approach texts. Not only would I like to show my appreciation; but I would even wish to partake enthusiastically in their reading experience and strategies.