Thursday, December 2, 2010

skepticism.

one of the foundation of science is skepticism.
the problem with skepticism as in foundation of science is that, it is complemented by empiricism, materialism and logical positivism, where it makes the situation goes like,


whenever we are in doubt with any known facts,
we need to verify the fact with scientific methods which is based on materialism, empiricism and logical positivism. where the validity of the fact must be observable, definable, measurable and quantifiable by senses. where only physical matter is considered as the fundamental reality and can be used to explain a particular subject matter.

in other words, the world of the unseen, which is not physical, which is not observable, or measurable, of definable, or quantifiable, is not accepted, or considered as do not exist.

that is, in the same angle, contradicts with the belief us Muslim where we are asked to believe in the unseen,
Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in their prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them
(Al-Baqarah 2 : 3)

that clearly underlines the unseen as a component of world that must be believed without doubt.
but however, Islam does not simply give out order to believe in the unseen without giving us any hint about the unseen. Many of the verses in the Quran tell us about the unseen. About the angels, the paradise, the hell, the future, the virtues and all.

and Islam, is not a religion of blind faith. We are not asked to follow a particular thing blindly, without any knowledge.
and follow not that of which you have no knowledge
(Al-Isra' 17:36)
Yes, seek for knowledge. Here and there. Now and then.
But remember to verify the authenticity of the knowledge. And this is where skepticism applies in Islam.

Dont just accept everything that is told to you.
Dont just accept what everyone tells you. Be skeptic. Verify the news/knowledge.

O those who believe! If a Fasiq comes to you with a news, verify it. lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful of what you have done.
(Al-Hujuraat 49:6)

there it is. the limit of believing. and as a guideline for islamic skepticism.

p/s : i have been keeping this view until assoc. prof hanapi has verified that this view of mine is not wrong. (but it can also be not right)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

don't just accept everything that is told you.
don't just accept what everyone tells you.
i like this.remind me of something. (^_^)