From Jāmi' ah to University

Syed Farid Alatas

doi:10.1177/0011392106058837

Abstract

Sociology has a role to play in the development of multiculturalism and, therefore, the facilitation of interreligious dialogue. Multiculturalism does not merely refer to the coexistence of a plurality of cultures but is a social context that encourages the possibilities for harmonious interactions of different cultures. Sociology may contribute in meaningful ways to multiculturalism by the thematic development of a number of areas concerning the study of societies and civilizations. This article focuses on three such themes, that is: the multicultural origins of modern civilization, intercivilizational encounters and the point of view of the other. The author argues that these themes are essential for the facilitation of dialogue and the development of the multicultural outlook. Dialogue here is not restricted to the literal sense of the term, that is a conversation between two sides, but rather is a metaphor for peaceful and harmonious relationships founded on mutual trust and admiration and informed by the spirit and substance of multiculturalism.

Highlights

There is a role for the discipline of sociology to play in the development of multiculturalism and, the facilitation of interreligious dialogue
If we define multiculturalism to mean not just the coexistence of a plurality of cultures but a social context that allows for and encourages the growth and harmonious interaction of different cultures, sociology and the other social sciences can contribute in a fundamental way to multiculturalism by the thematic development of a number of areas concerning the study of societies and civilizations
I look at three such themes, that is (1) the multicultural origins of modem civilization; (2) intercivilizational encounters of mutual learning; and (3) the. point of view of the other

Summary

Syed Farid Alatas

National University of Singapore abstract: Sociology has a role to play in the development of multiculturalism and, the facilitation of interreligious dialogue. Sociology may contribute in meaningful ways to multiculturalism by the thematic development of a number of areas concerning the study of societies and civilizations. This article focuses on three such themes, that is: the multicultural origins of modem civilization, intercivilizational encounters and the point of view of the other. The author argues that these themes are essential for the facilitation of dialogue and the development of the multicultural outlook. Dialogue here is not restricted to the literal sense of the term, that is a conversation between two sides, but rather is a metaphor for peaceful and harmonious relationships founded on mutual trust and admiration and informed by the spirit and substance of multiculturalism

Introduction

The Origins of the Modern University

Bringing the Themes of Intercivilizational Dialogue to Sociology Education