Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

The excellence and importance of knowledge are equally recognised by all the nations of the world, and the followers of every religion accept that the overall development of human society is linked to knowledge. Islam has especially encouraged and emphasized the acquisition of knowledge. Undoubtedly, it would be correct to say that knowledge is part of Islam and because of knowledge, a person can live a good and righteous life.
Imam al-Ghazali and Immanuel Kant's concept of knowledge had a profound impact on the east and the west. Al-Ghazali and Kant have done almost the same work; both of them rejected rationalism and changed the thought, ideas and concepts of the east and west respectively forever. In this thesis, Imam Ghazali and Immanuel Kant's concepts of knowledge have been compared. It consists of a preface, three chapters, conclusions, and recommendations. In the first chapter, Imam Ghazali's concept of knowledge is explained in detail. Ghazali's introduction, intellectual contribution, and concept of knowledge have been mentioned. In the last part of the first chapter, the Islamic concept of knowledge has been briefly explained, and the goals and objectives of the Islamic concept have been reviewed. In the second chapter, Immanuel Kant's concept of knowledge is explained, under which Kant's introduction, intellectual contribution, and Kant's concept of knowledge are mentioned. The western concept of knowledge, from ancient Greek thinkers to contemporary philosophers has been discussed and also compare the 
commonalities between western and Muslim philosophers. In the third chapter, Imam Ghazali and Immanuel Kant's concepts of knowledge are compared. In this chapter, the commonalities and differences between the concepts of knowledge by Ghazali and Kant have been examined. After comparing their concepts, the major similarity is that: Ghazali and Kant agree that knowledge is essential for human beings; without it, the fulfillment of humanity is impossible. Knowledge is the basic need of man because it is the only element which can educat a man. By promoting ethics through knowledge, it is possible to establish an educated society. The major difference is that: Ghazali believes that true and real knowledge is the knowledge of Allah, His books, and His prophets. According to him, an authentic source of knowledge is a revelation—a source that we can trust. Whereas Kant believes that sensibility and understanding are two faculties involved in the process of knowing. According to him, all knowledge begins with experience. An authentic source of knowledge is experience.
Keywords: Ghazali, Kant, Concept of Knowledge, Comparative Study, Commonalities and Differences.

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