Zarrouq, Abdullah Hassan. “Philosophical Studies Methodologies in Western Thought: A Presentation and Discussion,” Year 4, Issue 14 (Fall 1419 AH/ 1998 CE), Pp. 31-71.

Abstract

Abdullah Hassan Zarrouq’s article presents a map of philosophical thought in the West, its methodologies and schools of thought, associated problems, the most appropriate means of dealing with them, and the limits of their utilization. It explains the problem of engaging with Western thought, citing the arguments of opponents and supporters. It defines Western philosophical approaches, general characteristics of philosophy and its benefits, and the curricula of philosophical studies in Western thought, including the methodology of doubt, rational school of thought, rational approach, foundational approach, experimental and analytical approach, logical positivism, critical theory, and structural theory.  It then critiques the rational, holistic, and the deconstructive approaches.  It also addresses the cognitive and moral relativism from an Islamic perspective.