THE FOUNDATION OF REALITY
Contemporary Intellect
MODERN theological science is a substantiation of religious beliefs with due regard for contemporary intellect. This is truer indeed of a presentation of Islamic teachings according to modern rational methods. To begin with, we must ascertain exactly what this contemporary intellect is. Contemporary intellect is synonymous with scientific intellect, or that intellect which emphasizes the importance of the essential nature of things. In other words, modern mind validates those beliefs that are observable and demonstrable.
The scientific revolution has had a profound effect on human thought. Owing to science, theories are required to be based on experiment and observation rather than on hypothesis and analogy. The intellectual and material upheaval of the present age has occurred because of the discovery of the realities of nature.
The intellectual and material upheaval of the present age has occurred because of the discovery of the realities of nature. All things, from the bicycle to the aeroplane, from light bulbs to huge factories, operate on the basis of these natural realities.
All things, from the bicycle to the aeroplane, from light bulbs to huge factories, operate on the basis of these natural realities. This is the revolution which has, in fact, stolen the limelight in our modern age, for it has affected every department of human life. For thousands of years man was engaged in a futile attempt to turn iron into gold by means of highly secret formulas. Now, thanks to the discovery of natural realities, iron is converted into machines more precious than gold. These developments have added credibility to the theories which are proven by the realities of nature. This mindset is to be expected. Since the progress of modern man has been due to his discovery of natural realities, he is bound to attribute importance only to that theory which is supported by these realities.
This difference between the modern and ancient intellect may be understood by means of a simple example. A century ago, drugs were claimed to be manufactured following medicinal prescriptions based on family tradition, or prescriptions used by knights and kings. Terms such as “family prescription”, “hereditary cure”, “royally mixed medicine”, etc., used to carry great weight with physicians. If any of these terms were used with respect to any medicine or tooth powder, it meant that it contained hidden properties. Nowadays, however, these terms have no value.
Today’s doctor will not use this outmoded terminology when explaining the efficacy of a certain medicine. Rather he will point out that this product has been prepared scientifically and that its advantages have been ascertained by means of established evidence and experiments, the validity of which can always be tested by repetition. The very phrase “family cure” implies that its medicinal properties are not open to general investigation and that the connection between illness and cure has not been ascertained by any specific experiment. Rather its acceptability is attributable to its wide usage over a long period of time. Today’s customer seeks a product which has been manufactured on scientific lines. Likewise, it is only those ideas whose truth is verified by natural realities that he is ready to accept.