CHAPTER 2: THE CLASSIFICATION OF PHILOSOPHY, ONTOLOGY, EPISTEMOLOGY, AXIOLOGY

ONTOLOGY, EPISTEMOLOGY, AND AXIOLOGY IN ISLAM

➢ There are three areas of knowledge to answer the philosophical query, namely;
1. Ontology (existence theory)
2. Epistemology (acquisition theory), and
3. Axiology (value and valuation theory).
➢ In explaining the relationship between those three theories, Suriasumantri (1995: 105) emphasized that each knowledge
criteria has specific characteristics of what (ontology), how (epistemology), and what (axiology) the knowledge is compiled.

1. ONTOLOGY
 It comes from the Greek language, onto means something that exists while logical or logos means relevant science or
knowledge (Runes, 1976).
 Therefore, ontology is to describe a term or the fundamental of knowledge about the nature or origin of an object, and the
reality or fact of something from an abstract view.

The Ontological Question

 To explain the semantic terms (i.e. etymology and terminology), the diverse in meaning and repeating word of knowledge
as much as 750 times in the Quran; synonyms term (alike) such as knowledge, wisdom, fikr (thinking), ulul al-bab (scholars),
and ulul al-absar (observers or researchers).
 To answer three main questions;
1. What is being studied by science?
(required an explanation of philosophical concepts from the view of semantic and knowledge theories).
2. How do we know if science really exist?
(require an explanation from a theory of the philosophical knowledge).
3. How does science relate to the human brain and senses in developing knowledge?
(need a scientific research).

2. EPISTEMOLOGY
 From the language view, the words come from Greek – episteme, meaning knowledge and logos, meaning logical discourse.
Thus, epistemology is a philosophical study or called the theory of knowledge.
 The epistemological scope is broad and consist of all related logical discourse, how to justify, interpret, translate, control
and draws a borderline towards knowledge.

3. AXIOLOGY
 It comes from the English word axiology which means science value, theory, and value system. The term axiology consists of
two Greek syllables, namely axios [price or value] and logos [logic or theory].
 Value is an element that can reflect human behavior. In Islam, the value of science and reasoning is the most important
element that determines human actions and behavior. The value is also described as something that is expressed verbally.
The value is indicated by statements as correct, false or satisfactory.
 Also associated with the concept of understanding the value of usefulness of knowledge.

FIVE VALUES ACCEPTABLE TO HUMAN

1. FARDU OR REQUIRED
[This value is a must and is thought to be very good to be exercised]
2. SUNAT
[This value is highly recommended and counted as a good]
3. MUST
[This value is calculated balanced between doing or abandoning it]
4. MAKRUH
[This value is hated and is part of the disadvantage]
5. HARAM
[This value is forbidden and is considered the worst].