This course examines science, technology and the environment through the lens of Tawhidic epistemology and civilisational philosophy as articulated within the Islamic intellectual tradition and revitalised in ISTAC’s academic vision. It moves beyond a descriptive study of scientific development to interrogate the ontological foundations, epistemological assumptions, ethical orientations, and civilisational consequences of modern science and technology.
Grounded in the unity of knowledge (wahdat al-‘ilm), the course explores the relationship between God, cosmos, human, and nature, and the integration of revelation (wahy), intellect (‘aql), and empirical inquiry. It situates nature as ayah (sign) and human beings as khulafa’, entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining balance (mizan), justice (‘adl), and harmony (tawazun) within creation.
The course also critically examines the development of philosophical and scientific frameworks in both Western and Islamic intellectual traditions, analysing how differing ontological and epistemological assumptions have shaped their respective approaches to knowledge, science, and civilisation.
The course critically examines the rise of secular and mechanistic paradigms of knowledge, identifying the contemporary ecological and technological crises as manifestations of deeper epistemological and metaphysical dislocations. In response, it introduces Maqasid al-Shari‘ah and Usul al-Fiqh as higher-order frameworks for ethical reasoning, enabling students to evaluate scientific and technological developments within a coherent moral and civilisational structure.
Through philosophical analysis, textual engagement, and applied case studies, students will be trained to synthesise Tawhidic epistemology, usuli reasoning, and maqasid-based ethics in addressing contemporary challenges. The course aims to cultivate critical, independent, and integrative thinkers who are capable of exercising sound judgement (hikmah) and intellectual responsibility (adab) in the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of a balanced and sustainable civilisation.