Classical Scholarship Research Articles

Amy Barbour: Biography as Scholarly Self-Fashioning

Amy Barbour (PhD Yale, 1902) was one of the first women to receive a PhD in Classics in the United States. This essay describes how Barbour’s social context, gender, and national identity inflected her engagement with transatlantic intellectual trends. A biographical sketch culminating with Barbour’s career at Smith College as Professor of Ancient Greek is followed by a description of her academic achievements in the light of contemporary disciplinary anxiety and the use of biography as a scholarly tool. This two-pronged approach complements the valuable body of scholarship on North American women Classicists, which has focused more on those women’s life-stories than their research. Some thoughts are offered on contemporary applications of biography in the study of classical scholarship, including this one.

Трансформация подходов к исследованию идентичности и культурной идентичности в конце ХХ – начале ХХI столетий: тенденции и перспективы

This article examines the role of cultural identity policy as a tool for institutionalizing established values, beliefs, and means of sustenance in the structure of cultural identity. It is emphasized that the works of classical scholars of the 20th century address the issue of cultural identity in the context of fundamental theories of personality, motivation, needs, determinisms, and more. In contrast, research conducted in the first quarter of the 21st century exhibits a continuity of these foundational themes. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that the transformation of theoretical and methodological approaches is manifested in the reception of the issue of cultural identity-as a conceptual, social, and historical product that is created by individuals and society through processes of joint activity, and that is continually negotiated and modified under the influence of cultural policies and means of their institutionalization. Using research findings as a case study, the article illustrates how the government forms the cultural identity of populations: it instills norms, defines parameters of consciousness, and influences living practices and traditional forms of behavior. However, the intensity of such influence varies significantly. Based on a description of different types of cultural hybridity, the article identifies and represents corresponding types of identity-strong and weak-that manifest in conditions of intercultural communication.

Dispensasi Kawin dengan Alasan Sangat Mendesak di Mojokerto: Analisis Yuridis atas Perma No. 5 Tahun 2019

Ideally, the dispensation of marriage for urgent reasons is expected to provide a solution for couples caught in difficult situations, especially in the context of legal norms that protect individual rights. However, the implementation of marriage dispensation often faces challenges, particularly regarding the criteria and limitations set forth in Supreme Court Regulation No. 5 of 2019, leading to injustice for prospective brides and grooms. The aim of this research is to analyze the implementation of marriage dispensation at the Mojokerto Religious Court and assess the extent to which this regulation meets public expectations. This article is categorized as qualitative literature research, employing normative legal studies and comparative studies between classical scholars' thoughts and modern regulations. This research concludes two things: First, from a legal perspective, although challenges remain in its implementation in the field, Supreme Court Regulation No. 5 of 2019 provides clear guidelines for the dispensation of marriage. Second, the comparison between classical thought and modern regulations indicates a shift in focus from socio-cultural aspects to a more comprehensive protection of individual rights, reflecting the need for legal adaptation in response to evolving social dynamics.

How Did Early Modern Scholars Study Early Maps?

The two standard Anglophone historiographies of the history of cartography (Skelton 1972, Harley 1987) situated the field’s origins in the early modern era, or even in the later Middle Ages. Yet “history” and “cartography” are both products of the profound changes in the intellectual foundations and institutions of European knowledge practices in the decades to either side of 1800. By contrast, this essay explores how early modern scholars variously engaged with maps from the past in terms of contemporary knowledge practices. [Part 1] It first outlines the early modern meanings of “history” and “geography” and then reviews how early modern scholars engaged with early maps in three distinct ways. Classical scholars used the Peutinger map and Ptolemy’s Geography to identify locations of ancient places in order to improve their comprehension of Classical texts. [Part 2] Some geographers wrote histories of voyages and travels that related past routes to contemporary maps, and others wrote historical narratives of the compilation of encyclopedic texts and maps of regional and world knowledge. [Part 3] Antiquaries opportunistically described and at times reproduced a variety of maps, charts, and plans that came to their attention, but without active searches for early maps. Overall, I demonstrate that before 1775 there was neither a systematic approach taken to the study of maps from the past nor any hint of the core methodology that would be adopted by the first historiographical mode of map history as it developed after 1830.

Contemporary Scholarship on Classical Islamic Psychology: A Scoping Review

The Islamic classical scholarly tradition is replete with literature on a wide range of psychological themes. In recent decades, there has been a surge in the study and re-evaluation of this classical literature considering modern psychology. The purpose of this review is to typologize and examine the prevalent themes and approaches in this contemporary body of scholarship engaging with classical Islamic psychological literature, and to highlight gaps and limitations. This literature review utilized a flexible search strategy through various national and regional databases using a wide range of keywords. The study included a total of 132 works in three languages: Arabic, English, and Turkish. The identified works were screened for inclusion based on their relevance to psychology and their focus on classical Islamic works. These works were organized according to a thematic typology developed by the authors into three categories: broad overviews, theory-oriented works, and application-oriented works. The review indicated a significant diversified interest in classical literature in relation to modern approaches to psychology. However, contemporary scholarship included a notable “championing” attitude towards classical literature with less prevalence of empirical explorations and practical applications. Certain classical scholars and treatises received significantly more attention than others in recent decades. The paper concludes by offering future directions for research in this domain.

Ibnu Taimiyah and Qurais Shihab's Views on the Law of Electing Non-Muslim Leaders: A Comparative Study

This article discusses the legal perspectives on electing non-Muslim leaders according to two prominent scholars, Ibn Taimiyyah and Qurais Shihab. The selection of leaders in Islam is a significant and complex issue, influenced by various interpretations and socio-political contexts. Ibn Taimiyyah, a classical scholar, emphasizes the importance of a leader's faith and piety, as well as their ability to uphold Islamic law (Sharia). According to him, a leader must be a Muslim who can safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim community. On the other hand, Qurais Shihab, a contemporary intellectual, offers a more contextual and inclusive view. He highlights universal values such as justice, welfare, and public interest. Shihab acknowledges that in modern socio-political contexts and pluralism, a non-Muslim leader can be acceptable if they can ensure justice and the well-being of society. This article aims to outline the fundamental differences between these two perspectives and their implications in the context of national and state life in the modern era. Thus, it is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of this issue for academics, practitioners, and the general public.

Euripides’ Hippolytos in Aristophanes

Aristophanes’ paratragic and parodic relationship with Euripides has long been discussed in classical scholarship mainly due to the numerous references to Euripides and his tragedies in Aristophanes’ comedies. This article focuses on the use and re-use of the myth of Hippolytos in Aristophanes, as it is found in Euripides’ extant play. The references to Hippolytos found in Aristophanes’ extant and fragmentary plays will be discussed. One of the main purposes of this paper is to bring into attention not only the references to Euripides’ Hippolytus in the extant plays but also in the fragments, which have been rather interesting in terms of their scale and nature as they are very different to the ones found in the extant plays, where the focus of the parody is mainly the character of Phaidra. Aristophanes is donning Euripides’ costumes to serve his purposes and scenarios. The present essay navigates through how Aristophanes used the same Euripidean disguise not just to εὐριπιδαριστοφανίζειν but specifically to ἱππολυτίζειν within his oeuvre.

근현대 한시에 나타난 경주 관광 체험의 문학적 형상화 양상

Although various studies have been submitted on the response of new intellectuals to the special situation of Japanese colonial era and the representation of modern literature, this paper attempted to reveal the aspects of literary representation and the response of traditional scholars who have continued to live. In order to examine the special aspects of traditional scholars who have been pushed out of the mainstream since the introduction of new learning in modern times, the space called “Gyeongju,” which is called “the ancient city of a millennium” and is still a place for the creation of literary works today through Goryeo and Joseon, was used as one axis, and we compared the differences from the Chinese poems of pre-modern characters in a synchronic way and publicly compared the differences with the Japanese at the same time. First, it was confirmed that the representation of the space called Gyeongju in the Chinese poem changed considerably as it went through the Japanese historical tourism project. Cruise poems about Gyeongju have been steadily created since pre-modern times, and it can be seen that the historical sites that pay attention to each period and the representations of the region called Gyeongju were different. In the 20th century, Gyeongju can be said to have become a refined tourist destination stuffed as an ancient city in a medium or literary space that reminds people of Silla. The second most notable tourist destinations and labor camps followed those created by the modern Japanese imperialism, but it was confirmed that there was a big difference between the literary representation of it and the authenticity of the work. At that time, tourism had a fixed course, and information about Gyeongju encountered in advance would have also been described from a Japanese point of view. Nevertheless, the writers of Joseon did not accept it indiscriminately and resolved their feelings in their own way living in disadvantaged times. Through these poetry works, it was possible to examine the reality perception of Confucian scholars at the time and the special aspects of the poetry at that time. The poems on the Gyeongju tourism experience during the period were organized in earnest and the analysis of each work was conducted in detail to promise a more advanced study on the perception of reality and literary imagery of modern and contemporary Classical scholars, which have not been properly illuminated.

Sufi Archipelago:Biography and Thoughts of Hamzah Fansuri

This research aims to explore the ulama tradition through the biography and thoughts of Hamzah Fansuri, a leading scholar and writer during the Aceh sultanate in the 16th century AD. Through a qualitative and historical approach, this research analyzes Hamzah Fansuri's works and explores his Sufism thoughts. includes the concepts of metaphysics, ethics and theology. Data was collected from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including classic manuscripts and contemporary academic studies. The results of this research show that Hamzah Fansuri not only played a role as a propagator of Sufism but also as a pioneer in Malay literature who succeeded in integrating local and Islamic elements in his work. It is hoped that this research can make a significant contribution to the study of Islamic intellectual history in the archipelago and inspire further research on other classical scholars.

Examining the Intersection of Prophetic Hadith and Intellect: Authenticity, Contradiction, and Scholarly Perspectives

This article critically examines the question of whether a prophetic Hadith can be considered weak if it conflicts with intellect. The research employs analytical and library research methods, drawing on a range of scholarly works including books, academic articles, and writings by Muslim scholars spanning both the classical and contemporary eras.This study reveals that when the authenticity of a Hadith is uncertain and it contradicts intellect, it can be deemed weak. However, if a Hadith is deemed authentic by Hadith scholars despite its contradiction with intellect, two distinct theories emerge among Muslim scholars. The first theory, supported by many classical scholars and their contemporary followers, argues that a correct Hadith never opposes the intellect. According to this perspective, a sound and clear intellect will never contradict an authentic Hadith. In contrast, the second theory, advocated by modern Muslim scholars and some classical scholars, posits that a prophetic Hadith should be considered weak if it conflicts with intellect.The findings of this paper indicate that a prophetic Hadith, when narrated through a strong chain of narrators tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad, cannot inherently contradict the intellect. However, if a Hadith contradicts sound intellect, it can serve as a valid reason to question its authenticity and consider it weak. Through a comprehensive analysis of the scholarly discourse surrounding this topic, this study provides a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between prophetic Hadith and intellect. It underscores the importance of rigorous authentication processes, emphasizing the need to consider the reliability of the Hadith chain and the principles of intellectual reasoning when assessing the strength or weakness of a prophetic Hadith

Husainnasir

Abstract In the science of Qiraat, the problem of vowel reading on letters and words in the Qur'an is still much that has not been revealed, both from the aspect of classical and modern scholarly opinions. This study aims to describe and introduce several rules about the process of occurrence of vowel a/i/u in certain words and verses, which are caused by the presence of letters, hamzah, sukun, and ishmam, including exploring new ways of analyzing the phonology of modern Arabic vowels based on standard generative theory. This research is literature research. Primary data sources were obtained by al-Našr fi al-Qirā'at al-Islāmiyyah, and several verses of the Qur'an for comparison. Secondary data sources are literature, both in the form of books, journals, and research results related to phonology. Data collection is carried out by documentation techniques, listening, and recording. Data analysis techniques use open coding, then analyzed descriptively using grounded theory. This study informs about the rule that the variety of vowel punctuation on some verbs in the Qur'an will change according to the readings attributed to the ten Qira'at. The Vowel sign emphasizes the reading of dammah/kasrah). The emphasis mark on nouns requires the insertion of dammah while on verbs and insertion of kasrah. The round distinguishing mark (sifr) is important in turning kasrah into dammah. Both Kasrah and dammah have the property of 'Al, but some of them are distinguished by round marks on dammah and square marks on kasrah. The Vowel sign for classical scholars indicates that the kasrah from the letter "waw" in the verb "qul" moved to the letter "qaf" after hadzf dammah, then "waw" changed to "ya" to correspond to the kasrah in front of it. Modern linguists believe that the dammah of the letter "qaf" can be changed to Kasrah and then "waw" removed, so that the existence of the two kasrahs is merged and becomes a long shaddah The differences and changes in vowels in phonetics cannot be separated from the debate that exists between classical and modern scholars. This indicates that the problem of qira'at is closely related to diacritical marks that are icons of producing sounds with various characters. This research has implications that having to study Qur'anic verses from a Vowel aspect will require us to see how scholars used to read so that the sounds produced are not only one variant but have a variety of very detailed and interesting reasons to be studied based on modern linguistic theory. Vowel; linguistic interpretation; recitation, Qira’at Ten

Pinpointing Linguistic Emphasis in Classical Greek

Abstract Emphasis is a ubiquitous notion in classical scholarship, but its vagueness has repeatedly been criticized (and its usefulness, consequently, questioned) by Greek linguists. This brief study seeks to identify (and secure) a place for this notion in the analytical toolbox for the description of Classical Greek by applying the strict but nuanced definition of emphasis in Functional Discourse Grammar (Hengeveld and Mackenzie 2008) to the identification and classification of linguistic devices in the ancient language. In particular, this study argues for a distinction between emphasis as a rhetorical effect and emphasis as a communicative intention. In the former understanding, emphasis may be produced secondarily by a number of linguistic and rhetorical devices. Conversely, linguistic emphasis stricto sensu would only be conveyed by linguistic devices used primarily to intensify linguistic entities of any level (discourse acts, propositional contents, subacts).

Rethinking Pliny’s “Sicilian Crocus”: Ecophysiology, Environment, and Classical Texts

Classical scholars have long held that the saffron in widespread use throughout the ancient Mediterranean was Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), a sterile triploid descendant of the wild Crocus cartwrightianus, and indeed use of Crocus sativus in antiquity has been extensively borne out both by iconographic and phylogenetic studies. Two principal scholars of the Roman world, Dioscorides the physician and Pliny the natural historian, disagreed radically over the virtues and commercial value of saffron crocus from Sicily, with one praising its quality, and the other excoriating it. This study draws on ecophysiology, classical texts, environmental archeology, and phytochemistry to explain this disagreement and its implications. It explores the potential impact of microclimate on crocus cultivation in the ancient Mediterranean and proposes a new species identification for Sicilian crocus: Crocus longiflorus. The identification of Crocus longiflorus as “Sicilian saffron” offers an important corrective to the assumption that Crocus sativus was the sole crocus species of commercial value in the ancient Mediterranean and renews attention to the economic potential and utility of an indigenous southern Italian species overlooked in classical and later scholarship.

Revisiting the Crucifixion of Jesus within Islam

This article demonstrates that Muslim teachings on the historical crucifixion event of Jesus are by no means monolithic. While the Qur’ān’s reference to the crucifixion has typically been interpreted as fostering explicit rejection of the belief that Christ was crucified, its meaning on this issue constitutes neither denial nor affirmation of its historicity. Over time, discussion of the crucifixion within the Islamic tradition was formed to accommodate a rejection that obscured the neutrality of the original Qur’ānic position. One school of Islamic thought which affirmed the historicity of the crucifixion on a Qur’ānic basis is the tradition of Shi’a Isma’ili Islam. This article focuses on the conceptualisation of the crucifixion within Isma’ilism and its connection with Sunnism. From the Isma’ili perspective, the Qur’ān does not deny the crucifixion of Jesus; rather, it only denies that the People of the Book crucified him, in apparent response to their boasting. The ambiguity of Surah 4:157 remains a vigorous debate among classical and later Muslim scholars with references to the crucifixion as preserved in early and medieval literature furnishing distinctively divergent accounts of its unfolding. Even classical scholars such as al-Ghazali were persuaded by the views about the crucifixion expressed by leading Isma’ili thinkers such as Abu Ḥatim al-Razi (d. 934 CE) and Naṣir Khusraw (d. 1078 CE). Ultimately, the objective of this article is twofold: to demonstrate that the Qur’ān offers a neutral account of the crucifixion and to examine Shi’ite exegetical analysis on the crucifixion event in contrast to mainstream Islam.

Kritis Syarat-Syarat Mufassir di Era Modern

In the field of tafsir, individuals who analyze and explain the meaning of the Koran are referred to as mufassir. A Mufassir, or interpreter of the Koran, must adhere to the principle of prudence and avoid interpreting the text based on personal desires. Nevertheless, in conformity with the Divine Being who has disclosed the Qur'an. The interpreter's personality is a crucial factor in evaluating the quality of the interpretation output. As time advances, the field of interpretation should likewise evolve. Some contemporary scholars are hesitant to reinterpret the Qur'an due to the stringent standards set forth by classical scholars. This study employs qualitative research methodology, namely library research. The employed data collection strategy is a literature review method that utilizes diverse primary and secondary data sources. The research findings indicate that there are specific circumstances and criteria that must be met by an individual in order to be considered a mufassir, or an interpreter of the Al-Qur'an. The prerequisites, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects, along with scholastic criteria, aim to reinforce the outcomes of the interpretation that are unanimously agreed upon by the ulama and may be universally recognized by all segments of society.

Iapetus Equatorial Ridge: The Understanding from The Quran and The Hadith

This research studies the statement about the splitting of the Moon into two as narrated by Quran & Hadith in accordance to scientific studies related to the subject. The author suggests that current scientific findings of the formation of the equatorial ridge on Iapetus differs from the Islamic classical scholars’ opinions are not in tandem regarding the splitting and fusing of the moon. This research also applies the methodology of hadith from the writings given from various narrations and hadith literature. The application of document analysis methodology is applied to current concepts by the geologists and astrophysicists on the formation of the equatorial ridge of Iapetus and the ice ridge in Antarctica. The findings establishes that the Iapetus equatorial ridge is a genuine existence that occurred, which split into two and fused back. This image was captured by the satellite sent to Saturn.

Feminist Tafsir: Makiyyah and Madaniyyah's Significance for 'Ulumul Qur'an in the Thought of Husein Muhammad

The grand theory of makiyyah and madaniyyah according to classical scholars is seen from three aspects, namely time, place, and object of the speaker. However, Husein Muhammad perspektive makiyyah and madaniyyah from the aspect of time only. This view stems from Husayn's definition of the Qur'an as a guide that will always be relevant to human life. Through the Makiyyah and Madnaiyyah theories, he shows an interpretation that is not gender biased but has implications for the 'Ulumul Qur’an theory. This problem raises two questions about the concept of makiyyah and madaniyyah according to Husein Muhammad, and what are the implications of his views on the 'ulumul Qur'an. The results of this study indicate that Husein Muhammad has the view that makiyyah and madaniyyah are influenced by the social reality of Arab society. The Makiyyah verses show a universal meaning while the madaniyyah verses show a partikular meaning so that it has implications for the 'ulumul Qur'an aspect, namely the mansukh, muhkam, and mutasyabih texts.

Dirasah Muqaranah ‘an Hukm al-Zawaj Bayna Rudha’a Alban Bunuk al-Laban Fi Manzhur Fuqaha al-Aqdamin wa al-Mu’ashirin

The issue of Breast Milk Bank is a contemporary fiqh issue, and its ruling is not found in classical fiqh. However, classical Moslem scholars have studied the issue of radha in an unusual way known as al-major (breast milk put into the baby's mouth), al-south (breast milk put through the nose), and or putting breast milk into the baby's mouth using bottles and cups. Therefore, the fuqaha differed on the prohibition of marriage because of radha' unusually or indirectly such as radha' from a breast milk bank. After conducting a comparative analysis, the author concludes that the majority of classical scholars from the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hambali madhhabs, and most contemporary fiqh scholars, think that indirect radha', such as radha' from a breast milk bank, makes marriage prohibited. They reason that indirect radha' has the same effect as direct radha' regarding the growth of the baby's flesh and bones. Meanwhile, the Zhahiri school of classical jurisprudence and some contemporary jurisprudence scholars such as Yusuf al-Qardhawi think that indirect radha' such as radha' from a breast milk bank is not called radha'. According to them, radha' is only if the baby suckles directly on the mother's nipple. Hence, they think that radha' from a breast milk bank does not lead to the prohibition of marriage.

The Spirit of Tolerance in Determining the Time of Dawn According to Indonesian Classical Scholars in Malay-Nusantara

This study traces the spirit of tolerance of 5 Malay-Nusantara scholars about conception or early standards of dawn (Subuh). The five figures are Ahmad Khatib Minangkabau (d. 1334 H/1915 AD), Muhammad Mukhtar bin 'Atharid Bogor (d. 1349 H/1930 AD), Hasan bin Yahya Jambi (d. 1940 AD), and Muhammad Thahir Jalaluddin (d. 1376 H/1956 AD). Of the 5 figures, four of them set the standard of the beginning of Subuh time 19 degrees, while one figure namely Sheikh Muhammad Thahir Jalaluddin set 20 degrees. This 20-degree standard is commonly used by Muslims in the Southeast Asian region today. Eventhough they disagreed in some aspects, but they aprreciated the different methods they used, but they had the same goal

‘Le Barbare parle Grec’: French Classical Scholars and the Racialisation of Modern Greek

ABSTRACT This article investigates the use of philology and classical scholarship in the racial categorisation of modern Greeks by French scholars in Greece in the second half of the nineteenth century, in particular the members of the French School in Athens, founded in 1846. It argues that modern Greeks are ‘racialised’ by these scholars of antiquity in relation to their perceived proximity with their classical heritage. It thus demonstrates how classical scholarship and philology are used as tools to justify racial inferiority and theories of degeneration through systematic scientific attempts to categorise and create scientific hierarchies grounded in linguistic difference.