A Islamic Intellectual Heritage: Philosophy as the Foundation of Scientific Advancement

Warisan Intelektual Islam: Filsafat sebagai Landasan Kemajuan Ilmu Pengetahuan

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the role of Islamic philosophy as the foundation for scientific progress in Islamic civilization, focusing on the post-translation period from al-Kindi to the golden age of Ibn Sina and al-Ghazali. The research aims to analyze how the integration of rational-philosophical thought with Islamic revelation contributed to advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, which later influenced the European Renaissance. Using a qualitative approach with library research methods, this study collects and analyzes data from books, journals, and relevant texts through descriptive analysis, including data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that Islamic philosophy provided epistemological, ethical, and ontological frameworks that facilitated scientific innovation, as seen in the works of scholars such as Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi, and Al-Razi. The study also highlights the influence of Islamic thought on Western scholars like Copernicus and Roger Bacon, reinforcing the interconnectedness of philosophy and empirical science in Islamic tradition. These results align with scholars like Osman Bakar and Oliver Leaman, who emphasize the autonomous development of Islamic philosophy beyond Greek influences. The implications suggest the need for a reintegration of philosophical inquiry with modern scientific research to restore a holistic approach to knowledge. 

Keywords: Islamic philosophy, scientific advancement, European Renaissance