"Hume's Thought on Religion: A New Book Enriching the Arab Library"
Aziz Al-Moussawi
The Islamic Center for Strategic Studies has announced the release of a new book titled The Philosophy of Religion According to David Hume, authored by Sayyed Mohammed Fath Ali Khani and translated by Sayyed Haider Najaf. This publication is part of the Western Studies Series, through which the center aims to explore the complex philosophical dimensions of religion, reflecting its commitment to presenting academic works that enrich intellectual and cultural dialogue.
The book is divided into three main sections. The first section delves into the methodology Hume employed in his philosophy of religion, highlighting how he approached religious issues from a rational and empirical perspective. This invites critical reflection on the foundations of faith. The second section reviews the arguments for the existence of God, discussing traditional proofs while presenting the doubts raised by Hume, opening the door for new debates on faith and reason. The third section addresses the subjects of miracles and the origins of religion, offering philosophical interpretations that provoke readers to ponder the nature of faith and the reality of miracles.
The philosophy of religion is an ancient field rooted deep in history, but in its modern form, it began to take shape in the 18th century during the Enlightenment, branching into various directions. The book examines the influence of the Scottish philosopher David Hume (1711–1776) in this field, focusing on how he tackled religious issues through rational and empirical reasoning, which impacted traditional religious arguments. With an academic and in-depth style, the book explores topics such as causality, proofs of God’s existence, and miracles, enhancing the understanding of these complex issues.
In a statement, Dr. Mohammed Fath Ali Khani, professor of philosophy and theology at the Seminary and University Studies Institute in Qom, expressed his delight in presenting this book to Arab readers. He emphasized the importance of intellectual engagement with Hume’s ideas and the doubts he raised, adding that the book seeks to strengthen the philosophical understanding of religion and open new horizons for intercultural dialogue.
This book is a valuable addition to the Arabic library, reflecting a spirit of deep inquiry and critical thinking on religious matters. The Islamic Center for Strategic Studies extends its gratitude to both the author and the translator for their efforts in producing this significant work, which is expected to have a tangible impact on academic and cultural circles while fostering mutual understanding between diverse ideas.
