Abstract
This paper takes an in-depth look at al-Jabri’s analysis of Arab ethical reason . Starting from the fact that al-Jabri’s efforts are guided by the aim to modernize and rationalize Arab society, while remaining true to its tradition, it shows why his methodology used in analysing Arab theoretical reason cannot be used to the same effect in dealing with Arab ethical reason, the main reason for this being that the methodology he used to analyze theoretical reason lacks a normative-ethical standard. This incompatibility forces al-Jabri to reconceptualize his methodology and adopt a genealogical method of critique that centres on subverting his opponents’ claims to authenticity. Although this approach may work to undermine his opponents, it also leaves him with a minimal basis for establishing a modern ethical framework.
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Viersen, H. (2018). The Ethical Dialectic in al-Jabri’s “Critique of Arab Reason”. In: Eyadat, Z., Corrao, F., Hashas, M. (eds) Islam, State, and Modernity. Middle East Today. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59760-1_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59760-1_13
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