Ibn Khaldun is a “classical social theorist from the late 1300 and early 1400`s, who studied Arab and Muslim cultures; as well as Arab scriptures and text” (Simmons, 2013, p. 13). Ibn believed that past Arab historical events had been explained through a very narrow and inaccurate scope (such as one would assume if wearing goggles), where explanation of Arab cultures was not accurately reflected within its “Western colonial imagination of Eastern cultures; which created racist generalization and stereotypes (also known as Orientationalism)” (Simmons, 2013, p. 12). Ibn feels that western societies have had an un-reflective disposition in their ability to re-examine observations, and seek deeper truths regarding the Arab historical events; and that past social theories regarding Arab cultures failed to help societies in really understanding traditions that are foreign to them. Where Ibn succeeded as a social theorist, where others have failed before him; was in his ability to “broaden the view or scope of social science through the inclusion of other cultures” (Simmons, 2013).
REFERENCES
Simmons, T. (2013). Revitalizing the Classics: What Past Social theorists Can Teach Us Today. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: Fernwood Publishings.
