THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF IMMANUEL KANT'S CRITICISM FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The Epistemology of Immanuel Kant's Criticism from an Islamic Perspective explores the philosophical inquiry into the sources and limits of human knowledge. Kant's critical philosophy aims to synthesize Rationalism and Empiricism into a harmonious unity by investigating "Synthetic a Priori" judgments—knowledge that, while synthetic, does not depend on experience. Kant delineates three levels of cognition: sensory perception, understanding, and intellect, to critique the validity of knowledge and define its boundaries. From an Islamic perspective, this epistemology aligns with the tradition’s integration of revelation, reason, and experience as complementary sources of knowledge. Islamic scholars such as Ibn Bajjah, al-Ghazali, Suhrawardi, Iqbal, and Mulla Sadra have emphasized the harmonious interplay between sensory knowledge, rational thought, and spiritual insight, reflecting a synthesis comparable to Kant’s critical approach. This study highlights how Kantian epistemology offers a framework resonant with Islamic thought, fostering dialogue and integration between Western philosophy and Islamic epistemology. It underscores the potential of Kant’s approach to bridge diverse intellectual traditions in the pursuit of universal truth and practical wisdom.