Author: Mohajer Azizi
Analysis and Criticism of Modernism in the Light of Islam (Part 7)
Terms related to modernism
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Scientism
Scientism is an extreme philosophical belief which claims that man can only achieve true knowledge of the world and existence through empirical science; and that any knowledge obtained outside this framework is worthless and lacking epistemic validity.
This theory imprisons man in the narrow confines of empirical science and forces him to devote all his effort and strength to this path, so that he may be able to recognize more layers of the truth of the world and draw a map for the current and future life of mankind based on it.
The scientism that the West proposes is incompatible with other methods of knowledge creation such as philosophy, religion, mysticism, and reason independent of experience. This idea denies the effectiveness of these sciences for understanding truth and ignores them altogether; it even accepts the role of intellect as long as it is subject to experience.
Scientism has become a great plague in our time; to the extent that mankind, proud of its scientific achievements, has remained oblivious to the weaknesses and limitations of this type of knowledge and has tried to interpret the world solely from the perspective of empirical science. This is while not all knowledge and truths of existence are included in the circle of empirical science; rather, beyond that, there are transcendent and revealed sciences that explain the profound and amazing truths of existence.
One of those comprehensive and guiding sciences is the Holy Quran, a divine book that not only states the saving laws and guidelines for life of humans; but also talks about how the world was created, the gradual process of the formation of existence, the secrets of the creation of man, the wonders and beauties of creation, and even how civilizations were formed.
Interestingly, many scientific scientists have also been directly or indirectly inspired by Quranic concepts and have used them in their scientific inventions and advances; although they may not have admitted it.
A: Definition and Importance of Science
Science is: “A coherent set of systematic knowledge and understanding, based on experimental, rational or narrative methods, whose goal is to recognize facts and discover relationships between phenomena, in such a way that this knowledge is testable, analyzable and transferable.”
Science is of utmost importance in human life. Life without science is, in fact, a meaningless and aimless life that places man in darkness and absolute ignorance. Science is a burning candle that brings light, purposefulness, breadth of thought, contemplation, and… to man.
Science is a tool for understanding reality. For example, physics has discovered the laws of motion, gravity, and energy, and these discoveries have enabled humans to use them to build devices such as airplanes, advanced cars, power plants, and other amenities.
Science is the best tool for meeting basic human needs. Through science, humans have been able to meet needs such as food, health, security, and transportation at a higher and more efficient level. For example, if we look at medicine, we will see that this knowledge has saved the lives of millions of people and identified the causes of many common diseases. Engineering has also paved the way for human comfort and well-being. Building houses, bridges, roads, and other amenities are all achievements of this science.
Among the sciences, Islamic science has a special place and is at the forefront of sciences. This science has brought humanity out of the darkness of ignorance and misguidance, negated rotten, superstitious and harmful cultures and has replaced them with the best values, civilization and human excellence. Muslim scholars and thinkers, by utilizing the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah and relying on their precious experiences, have rendered worthy services in various scientific fields. The compilation and foundation of many natural, experimental, medical and intellectual sciences have been carried out by these scientists.
The ideas and innovations of great thinkers such as Avicenna, Razi, Ibn Haytham and others are used in various scientific fields even today; their books are taught in prestigious universities around the world, including those in America and Europe, and inspire new research.
Science is the builder of civilization; societies that have relied on science have achieved prosperity, progress and authority. Science develops the inner talents of man; while no other phenomenon can play such a role as science.
Science is the mother of invention and the source of technology. If mankind did not rely on science, it would never have achieved various inventions and new technologies. Every invention and advanced tool is the fruit of a specific knowledge. For example, electricity, the Internet, cars and airplanes are all sweet fruits of the tree of knowledge.
B: General classification of science
Science, in terms of general classification, is divided into two basic types:
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Beneficial science;
Beneficial science is knowledge that is useful and beneficial for man and the environment; whether in worldly matters or in religious matters. This type of science plays an effective role in the progress of the individual, the reform of society and the growth of human civilization – especially the Islamic society.
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Non-beneficial science;
Unprofitable science is knowledge that is neither beneficial to humans nor to nature, nor useful in the world nor conducive to religion; and it does not play any constructive role in the advancement and growth of human society, and sometimes it may even be harmful.
Dear Islam, with great emphasis, has encouraged its followers to acquire beneficial science in all its parts and has considered it one of the highest religious values.
A more detailed division of science:
From the perspective of subject and method, science can be divided into five main categories:
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Natural sciences: including physics, chemistry, biology, geology and branches related to nature and its laws.
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Humanities: such as psychology, sociology, history, economics and sciences that deal with humans and their social relations.
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Mathematical and logical sciences: such as mathematics, logic, statistics and sciences that are based on abstraction and rational reasoning.
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Religious and divine sciences: including jurisprudence, principles of jurisprudence, interpretation, hadith, Islamic beliefs and theology, etc.
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Practical and applied sciences: such as medicine, engineering, military techniques, agriculture, industry and other sciences related to the construction and development of tools and practical life.
Classification from the perspective of scientists and modernists
From the perspective of modern thinkers and scientists, sciences are divided into two branches:
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Experimental sciences;
These are sciences that are based on observation, experimentation, experience and the scientific method. These sciences are measurable, testable and repeatable.
Examples: physics, chemistry, biology, geology, environment and medicine.
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Non-empirical sciences;
This category of sciences is based on narrative, rational or intuitive foundations, not on laboratory experience.
Examples: philosophy, logic, mathematics, jurisprudence, theology, interpretation, mysticism.
Note: Although scientists often consider empirical sciences as the criterion for knowing truth, from an Islamic and rational point of view, non-empirical sciences also have a high status, because much of the fundamental knowledge of man is obtained through intellect, narration, and intuition, not just experimental testing.
C: The connection and interest of scientism with modernism
Undoubtedly, absolute scientism has a close connection with modernism, in such a way that the two can be considered necessary and indispensable. Scientism is not only one of the intellectual foundations of modernism, but is also considered its epistemological basis. Accordingly, we will continue to examine and analyze the causes and dimensions of this connection:
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Modernism and scientism both rely on intellect and experience, and this is something they both have in common. Modernism places intellect at the center of judgment, and scientism values only experience and empirical reason.
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Both traditions consider revelation, law, and religious knowledge to be marginal or outside the field and do not give them any role in human life.
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Modernism justifies itself on the basis of “scientific progress” and “empirical knowledge.” Scientism creates the impression that truth can only be obtained through empirical science; thus, it makes the legitimacy of modern civilization appear scientific.
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Modernism became an ideology with scientism. When scientism became extreme (i.e., it considered only empirical science valid), modernism also became an ideology that considers only the Western and scientific way to be the right way to live.
