Thesis
Published
THE RELEVANCE OF AL-GHAZALI’S THEORY OF CAUSALITY IN CONTEMPORARY COSMOLOGY
Abstract
al-Ghazali has long been accused of being the man behind the decline of Islamic
intellectual tradition. This is because ofhis apparent denial of the causality in natural
phenomena which he addresses as a rejection of of the philosophers’ thought. The
emergence of Tahafut al-Falasifah in which al-Ghazali expressed his rebuttal was finally
seen as a deadly blow to philosophy and rationality. In further investigation, it turns out that
the accusation that al-Ghazali rejects causality is not proven, on the contrary, his theory
causality marks an important development in Islamic intellectual history in which he unites
various elements of thought. Interestingly, by entering the modern era, many aspects of
al-Ghazali’s causality are quite consistent with the theories in contemporary cosmology.
For this reason, this paper aims to explain the relevance of al-Ghazali's causality in the
development of contemporary cosmological thought.
This study is based on literature research that will be directed to qualitative study by
using descriptive-analytical methods and interdisciplinary approach. As for the theoretical
framework, this study uses S.M.N. al-Attas’ cosmology and metaphysics.
In explaining the relevance of al-Ghazali’s causality within contemporary
cosmological thought, it can be approached from two sides, namely essentialist and
existentialist. From essentialist point of view, in explaining divine causality, it is necessary
to look for a gap in various contemporary physical or cosmological theoriesto juxtapose
divine causality with natural law (causal joint). There must be a room in order for god
to act (god of the gaps). Where in the modern case it can be found in two main theories,
namely Loop Quantum Gravity and Quantum Physics. As from existentialist point of view,
al-Ghazali’s causality is seen in a broader metaphysical frameworkin accordance with
his sufistic tendencies. This viewpoint suggests to evaluate physical causality in a larger
metaphysical context without undermining the premise of scientific activity. The physical
world can be studied as a predictable and consistent system asexplained by various theories
of physics and cosmology. Hence, whatever the conclusion provided by cosmological
theories, is only considered as descriptive and partial which must be found its objectivity
within the prescriptive authority of the revelation strengthened by the transcendental and
holistic experiences of the Sufis in describing reality.
This study is one of the small contributions in order to re-articulate the general
conclusions of Islamic metaphysics that have been built by Muslim intellectuals in the past
in accordance with the development of contemporary science. There are still many areas
that need to be explored, I hope it can be an example for future projects.
Publication Details
InstitutionUNIVERSITAS DARUSSALAM GONTOR
DepartmentAQIDAH FILSAFAT ISLAM
Item ID4824
Deposited22 Dec 2024 03:12