A Study and Critique on the Principles of Western Human Sciences

The privilege of human sciences over natural sciences is its unique perspective toward human beings and their surroundings. Most of the theories of human sciences are based on humanistic, secularist and relativistic thinking, all of which emanate from Western ideological principles. These are expanded on an epistemological foundation in which human beings are considered to be limited to material and secular life. The salient secular element in human sciences is based on humanism. In research and enquiries of humanities, there is no reference to innate and prescriptive will and spiritual guidance. Even religion itself is analyzed as a phenomenon relying on society and a product of human reason and a matter under materialistic and humanistic view of human being. This epistemological view turns into individualization of methodology in science on a higher level. This Western epistemological thought and framework will cause skepticism and relativism by separating reason and revelation. This is while through redefining theories of humanities using Islamic ideology and principles based upon Divine instruction, we can assist the development of humanities.