Alparslan Açıkgenç
Prof. Dr. Alparslan Açıkgenç is a Turkish philosopher, academic, and author specializing in the philosophy of science, epistemology, and Islamic intellectual history. Born in 1952 in Erzurum, Turkey, he completed his undergraduate studies at Ankara University in 1974. He pursued his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, finishing in 1977, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1983. Throughout his career, he has held academic positions at institutions such as Middle East Technical University, the University of Chicago, and the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Malaysia. His work focuses on the development of scientific thought within Islamic civilization and the integration of epistemological frameworks into the understanding of science.
Books
Being and Existence in Sadra and Heidegger A Comparative Ontology
Bilgi Felsefesi
Bilginin Islamilestirilmesi
Islamic Science Towards a Definition
Knowledge and science in Islamic civilization
Scientific Thought and its Burdens
Meet the Author & Works
Holistic approach to scientific traditions
There are at least two perspectives which must be taken into consideration when evaluating a scientific tradition; epistemological, because it is the result of an activity of acquiring knowledge, and sociological, because as a tradition it is the outcome of a community of scholars actively involved in acquiring that knowledge. If both of these perspectives ... Read more
An Evaluation of Violence from Islam’s Perspective
This short essay is not going to attempt a detailed analysis of violence, neither from the perspective of human and social sciences nor that of religion per se. It shall rather argue that the psychological basis of the phenomenon of aggression is found within the animal nature that is common to all animals, and that ... Read more
Prof. Dr. Alparslan Açıkgenç is a prominent figure in the field of philosophy of science, with a particular emphasis on the Islamic intellectual tradition. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ankara University in 1974. He then pursued graduate studies in the United States, obtaining a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1977 and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1983.
Upon completing his doctoral studies, Prof. Açıkgenç embarked on an academic career that included positions at several esteemed institutions. He served as a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy at Middle East Technical University from 1983 to 1993. During this period, he also held a visiting professorship at the University of Chicago in 1985. From 1995 to 1999, he was a professor at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Additionally, he has taught at various universities in Istanbul, including Yıldız Technical University, where he continued his academic endeavors until his retirement in 2015. Currently, he serves as an emeritus professor at Üsküdar University.
Scholarly Focus and Contributions
Prof. Açıkgenç’s scholarly work centers on the philosophy of science, epistemology, and the historical development of scientific thought within Islamic civilization. He has authored several influential books that explore the conceptual foundations of science and its relationship with Islamic philosophy. His notable works include “Philosophy of Knowledge,” “Being and Existence in Sadrâ and Heidegger: A Comparative Ontology,” and “Scientific Thought and Its Burdens: A Study on the History and Philosophy of Science.” In these writings, he examines the cognitive and sociological frameworks that underpin scientific inquiry, arguing for a more integrated understanding of science that encompasses both empirical and metaphysical dimensions.
Throughout his career, Prof. Açıkgenç has been an advocate for the revitalization of scientific traditions in the Muslim world. He emphasizes the importance of developing an epistemological framework that aligns with Islamic intellectual heritage while engaging with contemporary scientific paradigms. His work seeks to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic thought and modern scientific discourse, promoting a holistic approach to knowledge that values both rational inquiry and spiritual insight.
Public Engagement and Influence
In addition to his academic contributions, Prof. Açıkgenç has been involved in various scholarly organizations and has participated in numerous conferences and seminars worldwide. His efforts have significantly influenced the discourse on science and religion, particularly in the context of Islamic philosophy. Through his teachings and writings, he continues to inspire a deeper understanding of the interplay between scientific knowledge and religious belief.
Institutions Where He Has Worked
- Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey – Professor of Philosophy (1983–1993)
- University of Chicago, USA – Visiting Professor (1985)
- International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Professor (1995–1999)
- Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey – Professor of Philosophy and Head of Department (1999–2015)
- Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkey – Emeritus Professor of Philosophy
Awards and Recognitions
- Outstanding Achievement Award in Philosophy, presented by various Turkish academic institutions for his lifelong contribution to the field of Islamic philosophy of science.
- Recognized as one of the leading figures in Islamic philosophy of science in international conferences organized by IIIT and ISTAC.
- His works have been referenced in academic discourse across Muslim-majority countries as foundational texts in the Islamization of knowledge movement.