Ibn Nasr, Mohammed. “The Ta’ṣīl of the Sciences of Anthropology and Sociology: Towards their Unification” Year 11, Issues 42-43 (Fall 1426 AH/ 2005 CE), Pp. 99-126.

Abstract

Mohammed Ibn Nasr’s article discusses the ta’ṣīl (a framework established upon referral to principal Islamic sources) of the sciences of anthropology and sociology. Such ta’ṣīl requires reconsideration of the status of anthropology and sociology in the scope of our contemporary knowledge and in light of our scientific and literary heritage. It also requires identifying a unified philosophy and purpose for all sciences, and uniformity in the fundamental principles and aims for these sciences. His article discusses Muslims and the classification of sciences in light of the Greek paradigm, the Islamic paradigm, and the contemporary positivist paradigm. It then discusses: the foundation of contemporary anthropology and sociology and its rejection of the transcendent basis of knowledge; the centrality of human existence; conflict and survival of the fittest; the law of continuous change; and lastly, the Islamization of sociology.