ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
92
INTERDISCIPLINARY ISSUE FOR STUDY OF THE ETHICAL
CONCEPTS OF ISLAMIC THINKERS
Dildor Pulatova
professor at Alfraganus University of the Department
of Social Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
falsafa2009@gmailcom
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13642059
Abstract.
In this paper has been investigated the ethical concepts
articulated by Islamic thinkers through an interdisciplinary lens, aiming to
bridge the gap between various academic disciplines in understanding these
complex ideas. The study's primary objective is to provide a comprehensive
analysis of how Islamic ethical thought can be interpreted across different
scholarly perspectives, thereby contributing to a more nuanced understanding
of Islamic philosophy.
Keywords:
Interdisciplinary Studies, Islamic Philosophy, Moral Pluralism,
Ethical Theories, Muslim Scholars
Medieval Islamic philosophy represents a rich intellectual tradition that has
had significant influence on such fields as ethics, metaphysics, and theology.
Despite its importance, a systematic study of these texts is hampered by their
sheer volume and complexity, as well as the difficulties of interpreting
manuscripts spanning several centuries and regions. Traditional methods of
textual analysis, while valuable, often fail to capture the full breadth of themes
and conceptual connections in these works. Recent advances in digital
technology, particularly natural language processing (NLP), are opening up new
possibilities for analyzing these texts in ways previously unimaginable.
The ethical concepts developed by Islamic thinkers have long been subjects
of scholarly interest, yet their complexity and the diverse contexts in which they
were formulated have often resulted in fragmented analyses. Islamic ethical
thought, deeply rooted in religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions,
presents a rich tapestry of ideas that have influenced not only Islamic societies
but also global ethical discourse. However, previous studies have largely focused
on these ethical concepts within isolated academic disciplines, which has limited
the scope of understanding their broader implications [1].
Studies have shown that interdisciplinary approaches can provide more
comprehensive insights into complex subjects by integrating perspectives from
various fields [2, 3]. In the context of Islamic ethics, such an approach is
particularly valuable, as it allows for the exploration of how these concepts
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resonate across different domains of knowledge, including philosophy, theology,
and cultural studies [4, 5]. Moreover, recent research has highlighted the
potential of discourse analysis to uncover the underlying themes and narratives
that shape ethical thought [6, 7]. Thematic Network Analysis has also been
recognized as an effective method for identifying patterns and relationships
within complex datasets [8, 9].
The objective of the current study was to investigate the ethical concepts of
Islamic thinkers through an interdisciplinary lens, utilizing discourse analysis
and Thematic Network Analysis to uncover new insights into these ideas. The
study employed a cross-sectional dataset to capture a wide range of
perspectives, providing a comprehensive analysis that integrates multiple
disciplines [10]. By doing so, this research aims to bridge the gap between
different academic fields, offering a more nuanced understanding of Islamic
ethical thought [11]. The principal theme of this paper is that an
interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the analysis of these ethical
concepts but also enhances their relevance in contemporary ethical discussions
[12]. This study seeks to contribute to the ongoing dialogue in Islamic studies by
providing fresh perspectives on the ethical dimensions of Islamic philosophy
and their significance in a global context.
The analysis conducted in this study revealed significant insights into the
ethical concepts articulated by Islamic thinkers. Through the use of
interdisciplinary discourse analysis and Thematic Network Analysis, several key
themes and patterns were identified, offering new perspectives on Islamic
ethical thought. The results are presented in the same order as the objectives
outlined in the Introduction, with a focus on the most representative and
statistically significant findings.
The interdisciplinary discourse analysis uncovered a complex web of
ethical concepts that were deeply embedded in the linguistic and cultural
contexts of Islamic thought. The analysis identified key ethical themes such as
justice, morality, and the relationship between individual and collective
responsibility. These themes were examined across various texts, revealing how
they were articulated differently depending on the philosophical and theological
traditions they were rooted in.
The analysis revealed several newly observed patterns in Islamic ethical
thought. Notably, the study identified a strong emphasis on the integration of
rational and spiritual ethics, suggesting that Islamic thinkers did not see a
dichotomy between reason and faith but rather viewed them as complementary
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forces in the pursuit of ethical living. Additionally, the frequent occurrence of
themes related to social justice and collective responsibility underscores the
communal nature of Islamic ethics, which prioritizes the welfare of the
community alongside individual moral conduct.
The study also uncovered significant variations in how ethical concepts
were articulated depending on the philosophical and theological traditions. For
example, justice was often framed in legalistic terms within the Mu'tazilite
tradition, while in Sufi thought, it was more closely associated with spiritual
equality and inner morality.
These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Islamic ethical
thought and highlight the value of an interdisciplinary approach in uncovering
the complexities of this rich intellectual tradition. The results demonstrate the
interconnectedness of various ethical concepts and underscore the importance
of context in interpreting Islamic ethical writings.
The findings of this study provide significant insights into the ethical
concepts developed by Islamic thinkers, highlighting the value of an
interdisciplinary approach in uncovering the complexities of these ideas. By
integrating discourse analysis with Thematic Network Analysis, the study offers
a comprehensive examination of how Islamic ethical thought is articulated
across different philosophical and theological traditions.
The findings of this study both align with and expand upon existing
literature. Previous research has emphasized the importance of justice and
morality in Islamic thought, but the integration of these concepts with individual
and collective responsibility has been less explored [1, 2]. This study contributes
to the existing div of knowledge by showing how these themes are
intertwined, particularly in the context of different philosophical and theological
traditions. For instance, while justice has traditionally been studied within the
legalistic framework of Islamic jurisprudence, this study reveals its broader
ethical implications, especially when viewed alongside concepts of human
dignity and divine command.
The integration of rational and spiritual ethics, as observed in the thematic
network, is another significant contribution to the literature. While past studies
have often treated reason and faith as separate or even opposing forces within
Islamic thought [3, 4], this study demonstrates that Islamic thinkers viewed
them as complementary, contributing to a more holistic ethical framework. This
finding challenges the dichotomy often presented in previous research and
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suggests that Islamic ethical thought is more unified than previously
understood.
The results of this study have important theoretical implications for the
study of Islamic ethics. The interdisciplinary discourse analysis reveals that the
ethical concepts articulated by Islamic thinkers are not confined to any single
discipline but are instead the product of a rich interplay between philosophy,
theology, and cultural norms. This suggests that Islamic ethics should be studied
within an interdisciplinary framework that can account for these diverse
influences. The identification of interconnected themes through Thematic
Network Analysis supports this theoretical perspective, highlighting the need for
a more integrated approach to the study of Islamic thought.
Moreover, the study's findings challenge the traditional boundaries of
Islamic ethical studies, which have often been limited to specific philosophical or
theological schools. By demonstrating the interconnectedness of ethical
concepts across different traditions, this research suggests that a more holistic
approach is needed to fully understand the ethical contributions of Islamic
thinkers. This approach not only provides a more accurate representation of
Islamic ethical thought but also offers new avenues for future research.
One of the most notable outcomes of this study is the identification of the
complementary relationship between rational and spiritual ethics in Islamic
thought. This finding suggests that Islamic thinkers did not perceive a dichotomy
between reason and faith but instead integrated them into a unified ethical
framework. This insight has broader implications for contemporary ethical
discourse, where the relationship between reason and faith is often contested.
In conclusion, this study has provided valuable insights into the complexity of
Islamic ethical concepts and demonstrated the benefits of an interdisciplinary
approach in this field. These contributions not only advance scholarly
understanding of Islamic ethics but also offer practical implications for ethical
decision-making in a globalized world.
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