Epistemology of the Quran

This book examines all verses of the Quran involving knowledge related concepts. It begins with the argument that an analysis of the Quranic concept of ignorance points to epistemic virtues that can pave our way towards gaining knowledge and/or understanding. It deals with the Quranic concepts of perceptual, rational, and revelatory knowledge as well as understanding and wisdom in the light of recent discussions in Western analytic epistemology. It also argues that the relevant Quranic verses seem to involve concept of an epistemic conscience whose proper exercise can yield knowledge or understanding. While not overlooking the Quranic emphasis on revelation as a source of knowledge, the book draws our attention to a remarkable overlap between some strains of contemporary virtue epistemology and Quranic approach to knowledge. It shows that the Quranic verses suggest a progressive sequence from propositional knowledge to understanding to wisdom.

Former Vice Chancellor of Hazara University in Pakistan, M. Ashraf Adeel is Professor of Philosophy at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He earned his PhD in Philosophy of Science/Language with distinction from University of Hawaii, has held Professorship at University of Peshawar, and was a Senior Visiting Fellow at Linacre College Oxford in 1999. He publishes research in Philosophy of Science and Language as well as Modern Islamic Thought and is a poet and playwright.