Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31820/ejap.18.2.5
Islamic Wittgensteinian Fideism?
Edward Ryan Moad
orcid.org/0000-0002-7787-9557
; Qatar University
Abstract
This paper examines recent deployments of Wittgenstein’s thought, by Mustafa (2018) and Asad (2020), in defense of the Islamic “traditionalism” of Ibn Taymiyyah and the Hanbali school. I will briefly summarize the key features of Wittgenstein’s thought crucial to this, and then examine their ramifications. I argue that Wittgenstein’s position actually undermines any claim to interpretive authority, whether of the “rationalist” or salafi “traditionalist” sort. Secondly, the approach to religious language most commonly associated with Wittgenstein—so-called “Wittgensteinian Fideism” may pose bigger problems for traditionalists than the influence of classical philosophy or “rationalist” theological responses to modern skeptical challenges.
Keywords
Wittgenstein, Ibn Taymiyyah, Fideism, Hanbali, Salafi
Hrčak ID:
287333
URI
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