الفكر العربي و إشكالية الحداثة

Abstract EN

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between Arab thought and modernity.

The paper discusses some of the foundations of modernity such as individualism, rationality and historicism before turning to Arab thought.

It is demonstrated that Arab thought is characterized by the absence of historicism and individualism that resulted in the failure to distinguish between modernity and modernization and between rationality and rationalization.

The argument stems from the assumption that modernity is not a historical epoch nor a historical necessity, rather it is the result of conditions prior to it.

The paper identifies the most important condition of modernity, that is, man must regard himself as rational being.

It is concluded that Arab thought will not be able to enter the age of modernity unless it unleashes man's hidden potentialities by liberating him from the transcendental authorities which cannot be achieved without ‘cogito', a necessary condition of modernity.