The Pursuit of Reason and Certainty in Epistemology: A Comparative Study of Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī, René Descartes and Karl Popper

Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī, René Descartes and Karl Popper are towering figures though separated by centuries, traditions and cultures, – the similarities in their skeptical approaches have long intrigued scholars. The trio turned to the method of doubt in the pursuit of certainty in epistemology. Each thinker, faced with the prevalence of error and uncertainty in human beliefs, undertook a profound examination of knowledge, casting into doubt received opinions and the reliability of ordinary cognition. They aimed to secure an indubitable foundation for truth (with the exception of Karl Popper). Yet, the methods they employed, the ultimate resolutions they reached, and the philosophical implications of their skepticism diverge in important ways, reflecting their distinct historical contexts and philosophical goals. The introductory section of the current study will enumerate: 1) al-Ghazali’s journey from skepticism to mystical certainty; 2) Descartes skeptic journey that leads him to seek refuge in rationalist metaphysics. 3) Popper as a modern science philosopher to ascertain knowledge without certainty. The next sections will provide a detailed comparative reflection of Major epistemological themes of the trio. The paper shall conclude by analyzing which epistemological view among the three is most effective in 21st century onwards by contrasting their critiques on epistemology over time.