Freedom, modernity, and Islam

By Richard K. Khuri

Book Description

In a world where East and West often seem locked in ideological conflict, philosopher Richard K. Khuri offers a thoughtful bridge between seemingly incompatible worldviews. This scholarly exploration examines how our understanding of freedom has become constrained by narrow definitions rooted in post-Enlightenment thinking, where rationality and self-interest dominate the conversation.

Khuri argues that contemporary theories of modernity fail to address why certain modern developments face such widespread resistance globally. His solution involves expanding our conception of freedom beyond Western frameworks to include insights from Islamic thought and other non-Western traditions. Through this broader lens, he explores dimensions of freedom often overlooked in modern discourse, including its relationship to transcendence, quality of life, and the role of community in enhancing rather than limiting individual liberty.

The author applies this philosophical framework to examine the current state of freedom within Arab-Muslim societies, investigating historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to restrictions on liberty in many Middle Eastern contexts. Rather than simply diagnosing problems, Khuri concludes with constructive suggestions for cultivating a more comprehensive understanding of freedom that could benefit both Islamic societies and the broader global community.

This work invites readers to reconsider fundamental assumptions about freedom, modernity, and the possibility of genuine dialogue between different cultural and spiritual traditions.