Arab Philosophy, Arabic Philosophy, Muslim Philosophy, Islamic Philosophy, Theology: Eliminating The Ambiguity In Defining The Terms Through the Critical Analysis of Their Cardinal Issues

Abstract

The terms ‘Arab Philosophy’, ‘ Arabic Philosophy’, ‘Muslim philosophy’, ‘Islamic philosophy,  ‘Theology’ in popular discourse, as well as among intelligentsia and even in academic circles have been frequently used interchangeably as synonyms. Very sadly, it is rare to bother for appellation and clarification the exact meanings of them. This habitual following has caused fallacious ‘dogmatic’ intellectual absurdity. Because the fact is that each term is an insignia for a particular content of meanings, whole of values, collection of thoughts and genealogy of intellectual conventions. Consequently, this research is critical evaluation as well as an endeavour to eliminate the ambiguity and clarifying the genuine meanings of each term and an attempt of assigning the proper designation to the relevant contents and intellectual legacy. The conceptual distinction among the terms is critically examined in this article. This research reflects that each one constitutes a unique intellectual tradition with distinct techniques, epistemologies, and historical trajectories though academic and popular discourse frequently uses these terms interchangeably but it is wrong habit.  This article contributes to a better understanding of the Muslim intellectual heritage by examining the subtle differences and connections between classical literature, contemporary scholarship, and intellectual movements.