Logical Positivism and Islamic Economics

20th October 2012; prepared for 2nd International Conference on Islamic Economics and Economies of Muslim Countries that Department of Economics, KENMS, IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is organizing during 29-30 January 2013

Accepted for publication in IJEMA: CITE AS:

Zaman, Asad, "Logical Positivism and Islamic Economics, International Journal of Economics, Management and Accounting, Vol. 21, No. 2 (December 2013).p 1-18

Document attached to bottom of page as LPIE2IJEMA.docx -- also downloadable from link in title above.

IJEMA : International Journal of Economics, Managament and Accounting. Vol. 21, No. 2

Homepage for Logical Positivism

Abstract

We provide a detailed discussion of current methodology of economics and its emergence from secular roots in Europe. The foundational principles of this methodology, which is based on logical positivism, are in conflict with Islam. We then sketch some alternative methodologies which would be more suitable for Islamic economics.

We first describe how logical positivism emerged as the dominant philosophy of science, and how it was adopted into the foundations of economics. We then show that the current economic methodology is based on logical positivism. This philosophy is anti-Islamic, and therefore cannot be used to construct Islamic Economics. There are two main points of opposition. Logical Positivism rejects the unseen, while Islam requires faith in the unseen. Logical Positivism rejects morality as unscientific, while morality is a central part of Islamic teachings. This means that a methodology for Islamic economics must be radically different from that currently in use in conventional economic theory. Some essential elements of an alternative methodology are sketched.

From: Gairuzazmi Ghani <gairuzazm@iium.edu.my>

Date: Mon, Jun 2, 2014 at 11:56 AM

Subject: IJEMA Vol 21, No 2 (2013)

Vol 21, No 2 (2013)

Table of Contents

Articles

Keywords: Logical Positivism, Methodology, Islamic Economics

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