Making an Effort to Find out the Laws of the Historical Existence Field

Abstract

The philosophical consciousness, aiming to attain universal knowledge, not only contemplates the meaning and value of the laws prevalent in nature but also dedicates time to the realm of historical and cultural existence shaped by specific events. Many philosophers have been primarily concerned with exploring the laws governing the field of cultural and social existence, where humans humanize themselves as social beings. Ibn Khaldun, a distinguished thinker, has made significant contributions to the field of humanities, particularly in the philosophy and science of history, approaching it with a perspective closely aligned with modern scientific understanding. Ibn Khaldun proposed original ideas on the methodologies of historical and social sciences, suggesting that laws similar to those in natural sciences can be discovered in history and social sciences. He delves into the merits of historiography, appreciates its various methods, and highlights historians' errors. Moreover, Ibn Khaldun, who presents an original metaphysics of history, initially endeavors to establish the fundamental principles that transform history into a scientific discipline encompassing social and political events. As one of the few thinkers to approach the realm of historical existence with philosophical interest, Ibn Khaldun adopts a rational and critical approach. Within this framework, he introduces a social and historical theory, referred to as "umran," to elucidate events within the domain of social and political existence. This article aims to shed light on Ibn Khaldun's unique perspective on the realm of historical and social existence and contribute to the ongoing discussions concerning this field.