Alas, Islam turned against science in the twelfth century…
“Alas, Islam turned against science in the twelfth century. The most influential figure was the philosopher Abu Hamid al-Ghazzali, who argued in The Incoherence of the Philosophers against the very idea of laws of nature, on the ground that any such laws would put God's hands in chains. According to al-Ghazzali, a piece of cotton placed in a flame does not darken and smoulder because of the heat, but because God wants it to darken and smoulder. After al-Ghazzali, there was no more science worth mentioning in Islamic countries.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Al‑Ghazzali’s theological view rejected natural laws, leading to a decline in scientific inquiry in medieval Islam.
In simple terms: Rejecting natural laws halted scientific progress.
Key Takeaway
Beware of ideology that blocks empirical study.
Themes
science
religion
history
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic curricula
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
intellectual freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors besides ideology affect scientific development?
- Can faith and science coexist?
A Different Perspective
Science can thrive despite religious belief if the two are separated.