Contemporary Wisdom

knowledge and truth; Comparison of cognition methodology in the philosophy of Ibn Arabi and Soren Kierkegaard

Document Type : Biannual Journal

Author

Hosein Shams

Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran. Iran

https://doi.org/10.30465/cw.2025.50319.2080
Abstract
Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study of the epistemological methodologies in the philosophy of Ibn Arabi and Søren Kierkegaard. Ibn Arabi, within the framework of Islamic mysticism, views true knowledge as attained through mystical experiences and inner revelation, whereas Kierkegaard, within Christian theology, presents truth as personal and subjective, emphasizing the leap of faith. Using a comparative analysis approach, this research explores the commonalities and differences between these two philosophers. The findings show that both philosophers emphasize personal experience and transcending reason to access truth. Ibn Arabi sees the process of knowledge as gradual and based on mystical practices, while Kierkegaard views it as a sudden experience rooted in faith. Ibn Arabi relates truth to the unity of existence, while Kierkegaard presents it as an individual experience and a personal relationship with God. Despite their cultural and religious differences, both philosophers emphasize the role of personal experience and the limitations of reason in understanding truth. This study demonstrates that faith and spiritual experiences are fundamental components in both philosophical systems.
Keywords: Ibn Arabi, Kierkegaard, Epistemology, Mystical Insight, Faith.
 
Introduction: Ibn ʿArabī, the great Muslim mystic and a prominent representative of Islamic philosophy and mysticism, seeks to comprehend truth through mystical intuition and inner experience. His philosophy is founded on the unity of existence (waḥdat al-wujūd), which serves as the cornerstone of his mystical thought. Essentially, the unity of existence is a mystical idea, although it was later affirmed and reinforced through demonstrative proofs. On the other hand, Kierkegaard, as a founder of existentialist philosophy in the West, emphasizes knowledge gained through personal experiences and faith. He believes that truth can only be grasped in the face of existential crises and through a leap of faith. Although these two philosophers come from different cultural and religious backgrounds, both share a methodological emphasis on transcending reason and valuing spiritual experiences. This study aims to address the following key question: What are the differences and similarities between Ibn ʿArabī's and Kierkegaard's methodologies in the pursuit of truth?
Keywords: Ibn ʿArabī, Kierkegaard, epistemology, mystical intuition, faith.
Research methodology
This study is based on a qualitative approach and comparative analysis, drawing on both primary and secondary sources, including the original works of Ibn ʿArabī and Kierkegaard as well as valid interpretations.
Discussion and Findings
The analysis of the findings reveals that Ibn ʿArabī considers divine love a cosmic force that binds creation to God. Similarly, Kierkegaard defines love and faith as transcending reason, emphasizing them as personal commitments and individual experiences. Both thinkers stress the significance of personal and intuitive experience in the pursuit of knowledge—Ibn ʿArabī through mystical journeying and Kierkegaard through the leap of faith. Ibn ʿArabī views faith as complementary to reason, serving as a means to grasp the unity of existence, whereas Kierkegaard presents faith as opposed to reason, describing it as a leap beyond logic. Ultimately, while they propose different paths to truth, they share a common perspective on the importance of personal experience, faith, and divine love as fundamental means of attaining knowledge.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that despite their philosophical and religious differences, both philosophers underscore the significance of individual experience and transcending reason in the pursuit of truth. Ibn ʿArabī, through a mystical and spiritual approach, and Kierkegaard, through an existentialist perspective, both somehow highlight the human need for personal and intuitive experience in understanding truth. These differences suggest that while philosophy and religion may appear to chart distinct paths, at their core, both underline the importance of personal and faith-based experience.

Keywords

philosophy
knowledge
truth
cognitive methodology
Ibn Arabi
Kierkegaard

Subjects

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Contemporary Wisdom
Volume 15, Issue 2
January 2025
Pages 225-255

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