The Sacralization of the Social Sciences: A Critique of an Emerging Theme in Academic Discourse

Abstract

An evaluation of the notion of Islamic social science specifically in economics & the Islamization of knowledge project. A general background to the indigenization of social science in Third World nations is provided, noting that this began to occur in the 1970s. Particular attention is paid to the idea of the captive mind, where Western thought dominates. Works discussing these issues are critiqued, especially the writings of R. Batra (1986). Modernization is then examined with respect to Islamic economics, & policy goals based on the Islamic concept of development are listed. It is contended that Muslim economists have tended to use Keynesian & neoclassical approaches to economic theory. The Islamization of knowledge is addressed, & contrasts between indigenization & nativism are considered. The question of science & value in Islamic social science is raised. Finally, it is determined that Islamic social science has not yet reached the status of indigenized science because it has fallen into the modernist trap. Attention to the classical tradition of Islamic thought by Islamic economists is recommended. D. Weibel.