Identity as Epistemology

Abstract

Purposeful Philosophy The first order of things requires an explication of the purpose of this inquiry into Islamic epistemology. In order to do so, I shall have to distinguish between academic philosophy, pure philosophy, and purposeful philosophy. Academic philosophy is a product of the modem academic institutional structure of recognition and discipline. This academic structure compels scholars to produce scholarship for the sake of scholarship. Ihe principle of “publish or perish” is a guarantor of mediocrity. Such pmfessional philosophical projects are often intellectually parasitic and may offer little or no new insights. For example, a visit to any library will reveal hundreds of books that deal with academic projects such as The Idea ofJustice in Rawls Theory of Justice or the The Nature of Judgment in Kant‘s Critic of Judgment. Such projects contribute little to advance the understanding of justice or judgment and have no bearing on the nonnative nature of the society. Pure philosophy is a lifestyle. The pure philosopher is a habitual speculator who relishes the sheer indulgence of the mind. It is not the product of reflection but the pleasures of reflection in themselves which sustain the pure philosopher. As one philosopher commented, “We could go to the mosque, pray, and come back to continue with our discussion of the question whether there is a God.” The fact that the philosopher has just prayed does not settle the issue that as far as that philosopher is concemed there is a God and to question that is meaningless. Either the prayer was specious or the debate was meaningless. I suggest this because there is a disconnect between thought and action. The lifestyle of the pure philosopher, while immensely satisfactory to the philosopher concemed, trivializes both action ...