Comparative study of Islamic and non-Islamic thinkers
Maryam Mokhtari; Majid Jabbar
Abstract
There is a knowledge divide between macro and micro sociological theories. Some of these theories lend originality to macro structures like society, while others lend originality to individuals and micro concepts like behavior and action. For the connection between these two levels, concepts such as ...
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There is a knowledge divide between macro and micro sociological theories. Some of these theories lend originality to macro structures like society, while others lend originality to individuals and micro concepts like behavior and action. For the connection between these two levels, concepts such as self, which is one of the main concepts of the symbolic interactionism school and is also considered by Muslim social thinkers such as Hossein Nasr, can be beneficial. This research compares these two categories of theorists and examines whether Nasr is able to connect micro and macro levels using a distinct methodology. This study is qualitative and documentary, utilizing primary and secondary sources. According to the research findings, the ontology and epistemology of these two categories of theorists differ. Hossein Nasr believes that reality has an objective hierarchy (existence) that extends from the material level to the essence of truth (God) and mental (consciousness) which has multiple levels, including man’s natural understanding of himself, the external world, and finally absolute self-awareness. In addition, according to the research findings, it appears that Nasr was able to link micro and macro levels using a distinct strategy.
