MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURAKARTA – Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development Prof. Bambang Setiaji emphasized the inextricable link between knowledge, philosophy, and scientific development.
“There is no advanced nation without knowledge, and there is no knowledge without philosophy, as all knowledge is rooted in philosophy,” said Prof. Bambang in the online session of Musa Asy’arie Islamic Philosophy School of Batch 6 on Monday (June 3).
Prof. Bambang attributed the lagging progress of the Islamic world in the modern era to the failure to integrate knowledge and philosophy into industrial development. He explained that while the Islamic world excelled in primary industries like mining, true advancement lies in secondary industries or manufacturing, which are heavily reliant on science, technology, and research.
“We yearn for a Muslim-made laptop, a Muslim-made smartphone, a Muslim-made electric car. Where are these products from the Islamic world? Their absence makes us inferior, and the root cause can be traced back to philosophy,” said Prof. Bambang.
While acknowledging the contributions of philosophy in the Islamic world, Prof. Bambang expressed his disappointment that it has not fully transitioned into the realm of science and knowledge, where research and innovation drive industrial progress.
“Philosophy in the Islamic world has not descended into the practical application of science and knowledge. Instead, it has stagnated or even regressed, remaining confined to theoretical discussions without tangible outcomes,” he observed.
This disconnect has resulted in a dearth of innovation and creativity stemming from philosophy – a critical element for scientific progress, particularly in the manufacturing sector, as exemplified by the advancements in China, Japan, South Korea, and other nations.
In response to this challenge, Prof. Bambang urged for collaborative efforts within the Islamic world to conduct research that yields tangible benefits for humanity, especially in the manufacturing sector. He believes that by bridging the gap between philosophy, knowledge, and practical application, the Islamic world can reclaim its position as a leader in scientific progress and innovation.
