Problems of Islamic Political Philosophy in Classical and Modern Texts

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Problems of Islamic Political Philosophy in Classical and Modern Texts

Journal Title: Eskiyeni - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 37

Abstract

This study examines the approaches of Islamic political texts to social and political issues, both in classical and modern ages. The classical texts can be classified in two different traditions; namely, those which adopt a Greek-style discourse, such as al-Fārābī’s political works and those which prefers al-fiqh traditional and bureaucratic style, such as al-Māwardī’s and Nizām al-Mulk’s works. On the other hand, Islamic political texts of mo-dern era entertain mainly reflexive and defensive strategies, presupposing an ideal age in the past as a point of departure and return. This is the case in al-Mawdūdī’s and Sayyid Qutb’s works. The thoughts of Niccolò Machiavelli, Francis Bacon, Thomas Hobbes and especially those of John Rawls are taken as analyzing criteria in this study. In the scope of epistemology and political philosophy, the Anglo-Saxon tradition has some corresponding cultural goods which can be appropriated for the political needs of modern Islamic societies. On that note, it appears that there are two main approaches in the political philosophy, namely “the conceptualistic approach” and “the experimental approach”. The political works of al-Fārābī, al-Mawdūdī and Qutb employ the conceptualistic approach. While the works of al-Māwardī, Nizām al-Mulk, Niccolò Machiavelli, Francis Bacon, Thomas Hobbes and especially John Rawls use the experimental approach.

Authors and Affiliations

Muhammet ÖZDEMİR

Keywords

Islamic political philosophy al-Fārābī al-Māwardī Nizām al-Mulk al-Mawdūdī Sayyid Qutb John Rawls the conceptualistic approach

EP ID EP496248
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