A close examination of the Kingdom’s
latest reforms literature would lead us to conclude that success hinges on the
ability to develop how people think and accept the logic of reform. This
development is indispensable to the process of bringing about the envisioned
change.
اضافة اعلان
The connection might not be visible to some,
but the general impression behind these reforms is that reasoning, critical
thinking, and sound judgment have not been taught properly at our schools. So
the recent decision to reinstate philosophy as a course in school curricula —
after nearly a half-a-century hiatus — aims to help rebuild these essential
skills.
In a nutshell, if we succeed in teaching the
younger generation, which is the target of all sorts of reform, how to think,
we will be one step closer to the target culture required as a catalyst of
positive change.
One vital aspect of such a drive is shedding
off years of dominance by some religious ideologies that reject philosophy and
logic despite the fact that hundreds of Holy Quran verses urge people to think,
contemplate, and question.
The golden age of the Arab-Islamic
civilization, which succeeded as a melting pot where all cultures, races, and
ethnicities became an integral part of and major contributors to the
unparalleled scientific and cultural achievements, was characterized by
embracing philosophy, especially in the Abbasid era.
Through the school philosophy course, which is
planned for the 2023–2024 academic year, we expect young Jordanians to be
introduced to their ancestors who excelled in philosophy, including Al-Farabi,
Ibn Rushd (Averroes), history philosopher Ibn Khaldun, in addition to
theologians who studied philosophy and employed their knowledge in defense of
the Islamic faith, particularly Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali. These teachings will allow
the youth to learn about Islamic legacy by enriching them with comprehensive
arguments and counter-arguments.
If we look around,
we find that Jordan preceded the philosophy-in-school decision with a very
important move to revive the heritage of iconic Muslim scholars. Waqf
authorities, upon Royal directives, established several chairs for the study of
four prominent and revered scholars of Islam, including imams Al-Nawawi at
Al–Salt Grand Mosque and at the World Islamic Sciences and Education University
(WISE), Al-Ghazali at the University of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, Al-Razi
at the University of Jordan, WISE University, and the King Hussein bin Talal
Mosque, and Al-Suyuti at Al-Husseini Grand Mosque.
These four imams
accept an adequate degree of logic and philosophy as instrumental in
understanding and defending Islam and its teachings.
If we succeed in teaching the younger generation, which is the target of all sorts of reform, how to think, we will be one step closer to the target culture required as a catalyst of positive change.
Returning to the present, research conducted
by Durham University a few years ago found that “encouraging primary school
pupils to have philosophical discussions can boost their maths and reading
results”.
Additionally, professor of the public
understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield, Angie Hobbs, said:
“The teaching of philosophy can help young people think for themselves,
challenge misinformation, and resist attempts to indoctrinate them”.
“Philosophy, with
its rich history of arguments and ideas, allows young people to reflect on what
constitutes a flourishing life — for both individuals and communities. A life
in which potential is realized in a way that benefits all,” she added.
So, what more do we need?
Let us do it right
by preparing teachers to handle the job according to the best practices and
make sure that we do not spoon-feed students the very subject that requires
them to think independently and freely.
This is a step in the right direction, and we
should all aim for its success.
Khalid Dalal is a former advisor at the Royal Hashemite
Court, former director of media and communication at the Office of His Majesty
King Abdullah, and works currently as a senior advisor for media, strategic
communication, PR, international cooperation, and business development locally,
regionally, and globally. khaliddalal@aol.com
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