The Methodology of Theorization in Humanities; with a Reflection on Muslim Thinker's Approaches

In the field of the philosophy of science, the process of knowledge development is based on three approaches, i.e. inductive, falsificationist, and paradigmatic. Despite their differences in their ontology, epistemology, and methodology, they all share in their relativistic approach to human understanding and knowledge. The authors in this article begin with introducing the three aforementioned approaches and their foundations. Then they turn to an Islamic approach towards the development of knowledge. The authors suggest a methodology they call “intermediate ijtihād” in which all four causes (efficient, material, formal, and final causes) are taken into account, and therefore culminate in rational certainty and religious authority. In this approach, the acquaintance with reality is possible through reason and authentic religious narratives, reality is not considered relative, and the basic principles of understanding will not change during time and in different places. It is also based on Divine worldview, and a cooperation of philosophy and science serves as an instrument, compensating for the shortcomings of modern sciences.