Objectivity and the scientific study of religion

Thoha, Anis Malik (2009) Objectivity and the scientific study of religion. Intellectual Discourse, 17 (1). pp. 83-92. ISSN 0128-4878

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Abstract

The concern for and the debate on “objectivity” in the scientific study of religions led scholars to advocate two major approaches known as “History of Religion” and “Phenomenology of Religion.” Both approaches are claimed to be “descriptive” and “value-free” as they stringently enforce the principle of epochê or distanciation to ensure objectivity. However, there are scholars who argue that objectivity (be it “descriptive” or “value-free”) is ontologically questionable and epistemologically impossible. It is a self defeating concept and a myth. They argue that objectivity is principally and directly concerned with “the object” under investigation regardless of the types of approach used.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3902/920
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Religionswissenschaft, epoche, objectivity, al-'adl, Muslim scholarship
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion
Depositing User:	Ms Zati Atiqah Mohamad Tanuri
Date Deposited:	12 Jul 2011 15:20
Last Modified:	12 Jul 2011 15:20
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/920

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