Shaping modern knowledge on Islam
Max Weber and Sheikh Ahmad ibn Zayni al-Dahlan: Shaping modern knowledge on Islam
Cross-Cultural Seminar by Dietrich Jung from the University of Southern Denmark.
Abstract
In light of the ongoing public debate that focuses on differences
between Islam and the West, this presentation suggests a change of
perspective. Instead of explaining differences, it aims at understanding
similarities. Departing from the rather unknown and indirect
intellectual relationship between the German Sociologist Max Weber and
the nineteenth-century Mufti of Mecca, Ahmad Zayni al-Dahlan, the
presentation aims at going beyond the conventional wisdom of "European
influence on Muslim thinkers". Through the analytical lenses of
contemporary social science theories, it interprets the emergence of
modern knowledge on Islam as a fusion of intellectual horizions in light
of general modern concepts such as state, positive law, science,
secularism, authenticity etc. It identifies and demonstrates processes
of the discursive and social interactions among Islamic Reformers,
Orientalists and Sociologists, providing the foundation for our
understanding of Islam as a religion in the modern world.
Cross-Cultural Seminars at ToRS
Every semester, six invited speakers will present a scholarly paper for academic staff and graduate students at ToRS (and other invited guests). The papers will be based on material from one of the regions covered by ToRS, but will - thematically or theoretically - also have a strong cross-cultural appeal. The aim is to encourage interest across disciplines at ToRS - and thereby strengthen scholarly discussion and cooperation - and to give us all a chance to get acquainted with scholars from outside the department.
Each presentation will last 45 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of discussion chaired by a person from ToRS. The seminars will take place every second Thursday from 15.15pm to 16.30pm in room U6. After each seminar, we will go for drinks and possibly dinner with the speaker. All participants are invited for this, but expenses will have to be covered by participants themselves.
Organizers: Andreas Bandak, Mikkel Bille and Lars Højer
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Dietrich Jung (University of Southern Denmark)
Max Weber and Sheikh Ahmad ibn Zayni al-Dahlan: Shaping modern knowledge on Islam
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