Abstract
The core objective of this study is to provide a venue to the integration of the spiritual insights of Ghazalian thought with the deep knowledge resulted from Freudian psychoanalysis. A descriptive and analytical approach has been adopted to analyze Ghazalian concept of aq’l and Freudian ego. Zepetnek’s (1998) theory of comparative literature has provided guidelines for a thorough analysis of both the models. This analytical approach may guide us to an alternative critical agenda for having a better grasp of the human psyche. The findings of the study reveal that both aq’l and ego are the conscious parts of the psyche which use logical thinking and mediate between the deep levels of the psyche and the external reality. Freudian ego develops out of modification of the id, playing the role of a mediator between the id and external reality. Likewise, Ghazali gives a leading position to the intellect or aq’l which comprises reason, the capacity to discriminate vice and virtue. Besides, the current study proceeds from the postulation that despite the fact that Freudian psychoanalytic theory has brought forward insightful psychological considerations, equally appropriate readings will probably result from analyzing Ghazalian theory of soul. At the same time, it is also hoped that the insights brought forth by this study may open new vistas for the study of human nature.
Highlights
The manifestation of life in myriad modes leads intellectuals to discover the philosophical interpretation of life along with the exploration of multiple facets of human nature
There have been a huge explosion of the studies of self and human mind, yet a narrower outlook towards man exists, since each of them seeks to explain human behaviour through its specific expertise, forming a “veritable tower of Babel.”2 Besides, there is a renewed interest in the critical analysis of the Western worldview which inclines to analyse human mind in a highly-compartmentalized manner, considering him fundamentally as a material being
In trying to gain a deeper understanding of human nature, Western psychological theories have tended to focus on one aspect of the self, emphasizing more on the biological and psychical dimensions of the individual, sometimes ignoring the metaphysical side of human nature
Summary
The manifestation of life in myriad modes leads intellectuals to discover the philosophical interpretation of life along with the exploration of multiple facets of human nature. The subject of human nature has been studied through various viewpoints - philosophical, DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC THOUGHT AND CIVILIZATION Volume 10 Issue 1, Spring 2020. There have been a huge explosion of the studies of self and human mind, yet a narrower outlook towards man exists, since each of them seeks to explain human behaviour through its specific expertise, forming a “veritable tower of Babel.” Besides, there is a renewed interest in the critical analysis of the Western worldview which inclines to analyse human mind in a highly-compartmentalized manner, considering him fundamentally as a material being. The spiritual entity in man is either less recognized or dismissed completely For this reason, several attempts have been made by social scientists, who recognize the need to understand personality and human psychology from a more holistic perspective, to conclude that the spiritual component of man is too vital to overlook with regard to human psychological and personality studies.
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