Nazif Muhtaroglu

I earned my Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Kentucky, specializing in the study of occasionalism, with a dissertation, titled ‘Islamic and Cartesian Roots of Occasionalism.’ Following my Ph.D., I pursued postdoctoral research at Harvard University’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (NELC). My career then took me to Turkey, where I dedicated eight years to teaching and academic growth. More recently, I returned to Harvard-NELC as a visiting scholar, furthering my research interests (2022-2023). 

My academic research is deeply focused on exploring causality, free will, and the philosophy of mind, as well as understanding AI’s role within these realms. I approach these subjects by integrating and contrasting both Islamic and Western philosophical traditions, aiming to offer a comprehensive perspective that bridges these rich and diverse schools of thought.

I have significantly contributed to the field through the editing of three books and the publication of numerous scholarly papers.  Currently, at Yale University, I am engaged in an exciting book project. This work explores the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and free will, delving into perspectives from both Islamic kalām and contemporary philosophy. This project not only reflects my deep-rooted interest in the philosophical dimensions of technology but also my commitment to bridging cultural and intellectual paradigms.