A Comparative Study of the Viewpoint of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi and John Henry Newman about Science

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the viewpoint of Al-Farabi and Newman about science. The research method is descriptive-analytical (comparative analysis). Accordingly, thoughts of two thinkers are introduced generally, and then research questions have been formulated and presented. Findings indicate that perspective of two thinkers about science is generally interconnected, and includes three holistic/unity-oriented, component-oriented/specialized-oriented and value-oriented approaches. Al-Farabi and Newman share common viewpoints regarding having a specialized viewpoint about science, having an overall view to science, having a component/specialized viewpoint concerning science, having a value viewpoint to science, belief to accept a religion based on rational argument and having a unity approach about the goal of science. Moreover, their viewpoints are different from each other due to the breadth and scope of addressing the science and considering the criteria of excellence in science and applied view to science. According to these findings, an appropriate pattern of science education has been suggested in the educational system (university) at the end of this paper.
 

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