A Ghazalian Predicament: Epistemology and Metaphysics of Causation in the Works of Ghazali

The idea of causal efficacy, which can be found in Aristotle’s works, has proved to be a very controversial character in the history of philosophy. This paper is a consideration of Ghazali’s (1058-1111) views about the causal efficacy theory and his epistemological concern regarding this issue, arguing that the widely held view that Ghazali rejects causality can be modified through a careful re-examination of Tahåfut al-Falåsifah and his other works. The paper begins with a consideration of Ghazali's presentation and critique of Avicenna's view of causality in the Tahåfut al-Falåsifah. In particular, Ghazali's distinction between 'event causation' and 'agent causation' is given close attention. During this presentation Ghazali's views are contrasted with traditional Asharite beliefs on the issue. The paper then considers Ghazali's views on causation as presented in his other works. Finally, the author tries to resolve the apparent contradictions between these views by explaining Ghazali's theory of the best of all possible worlds.