The Correlation between Practical Wisdom and Humanities based on Farabi's Views

Document Type : Scholarly Article

Author
hesam aldin sharifi
Graduated with a PhD in Islamic Philosophy from Baqir Al-Uloom University of Qom, Qom, Iran
10.30497/ap.2026.248209.1737
Abstract
One of the proposed solutions for producing Islamic humanities is to utilize practical wisdom. According to some, practical wisdom is the humanities that have expanded and advanced in the modern era. According to Farabi's thoughts, it seems that although practical wisdom may have some similarities with humanities in terms of subject matter and issues, it has fundamental differences with the current humanities at least in terms of method, purpose, function, type of propositions, principles, etc., and it is not correct to equate the two. In addition, it may be possible to accurately conclude that practical wisdom and humanities are also different in subject matter; although they appear to be the same on the surface. Practical wisdom is a true science and a proof for leading humans to true and ultimate happiness. While the current humanities are unreal and unreliable and do not make any effort to recognize true happiness in proportion to the truth of man. With this description, practical wisdom and the humanities are not only not the same, but it can be concluded that practical wisdom based on Islamic philosophy and teachings is an alternative to the current humanities, which are based on the ideas, culture, and philosophy prevalent in the West.
Keywords
Humanities
Practical Wisdom
Al-Farabi
Subject of Science
Purpose of Science
Research Method
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