Toward an Epistemic Shift in Post Normal Times s: A Study on Ibn Khaldun Epistemic Shift

Abstract

The contemporary studies of humanities varied from history, science, social and even philosophy was still under the influence of Eurocentric. The domineering of western system of knowledge and the influence of Eurocentric approach of studies bring the effect of epistemicide. A killing or annihilation of a knowledge system. This has been done since the age of modernity in the 19th century and continues and dominates every civilization. As a result, people in the 21st century are still living under the shadow of the 19th century. The challenge of Post normal times that need to face by especially Malaysia was critical point in shaping of future especially in the production of knowledge which the goal is to decolonize and to humanize the education and knowledge. The effort toward an epistemic shift in history is one of many approaches that are necessary in re-shaping the future education. This research tried to analyse the ideas and experience of Ibn Khaldum that shaped his epistemic shift. The framework of Ibn Khaldun thought in writing a new kind of history might be needed in finding the trajectory of epistemic shift. The research used the method of literature review and analysis of selected texts from some writings. This research investigates the relation of the concept of Ibar, Ibn Khaldun dilemmas on philosophy, and the issues between reason versus revelation. The concern of this research departed from the question of what factors that shaped his framework of thought and the significance of his act on shifting from traditional historiography towards a new approach of history. The results of the study found that the separation of fact and value which is integral in western system of knowledge is the root of the problem. Ibn Khaldun's experience and framework of thought may hold solutions in finding the way toward humanization of knowledge.