Yûsî’nin Bilgi Teorisi ve İlimleri Tasnîfi
Yūsī’s Theory of Knowledge and Classification of Sciences

Summary/Abstract: Knowledge theory is a discipline that interacts between different disciplines and examines issues such as the source, nature, transfer and use of knowledge. Discussions about the nature and source of knowledge have increased the importance of knowledge theory along with technological developments and changes in the field of communication. This offers many interesting areas for future research. There are various views on the definition and approaches of knowledge. One of the scholars who put forward important opinions on this subject is Abū ‘Alī al-Yūsī (d. 1102/1691). Yūsī, who had important views on the definition and value of knowledge, lived in the 17th century and was a prominent Mālikī scholar of Morocca, well-versed in rational and natural sciences, and distinguished in theology, philosophy, logic, and methodology. Yūsī’s theory creates a comprehensive framework that transcends the boundaries of disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach promotes a holistic understanding of knowledge and encourages scientists from different fields to collaborate and contribute to the advancement of knowledge theory. According to him, the capacity to access and understand knowledge varies between man and other beings. The idea that man has limited knowledge and God has absolute knowledge is an important point in understanding the sources and the nature of knowledge. At the heart of Yūsī’s theory is the recognition of the multidimensionality of knowledge. It goes beyond a simplistic view that equates knowledge with mere awareness or understanding. Instead, he argues that knowledge encompasses cognitive processes, epistemological considerations, and broader metaphysical dimensions. According to Yūsī, knowledge comes from three sources: reason, revelation, and senses. According to him, reason alone is not sufficient to understand the complexity of existence. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of revelation, which represents divine guidance and transcendent wisdom. Revelation expands the scope of human knowledge by providing insights and truths beyond our limited reasoning abilities. Sensory experiences such as perception and observation also contribute to our understanding of the world. By interacting with the senses, we gain empirical knowledge and discover physical manifestations of reality. Yûsî’s theory underscores the need to integrate these different sources of knowledge. According to him, knowledge can be valuable in itself or serve another purpose. Yūsī’s theory underscores the need to integrate these different sources of knowledge. According to him, knowledge can be valuable in itself or serve another purpose. The division of knowledge into two categories: sciences for its own sake and sciences that serve another purpose, reveals the value and use of knowledge. In this perspective, it can be said that Yūsī’s theory of knowledge has a deep and versatile understanding within the tradition of Islamic thought. The six basic sciences and eight auxiliary sciences that stand out among Islamic sciences are a reflection of this understanding. Likewise, his theory of knowledge encourages in-depth studies in the relevant field by providing interaction between different disciplines and emphasizes the value of knowledge, showing that it plays an important role in human life. The study aims to provide a basis for studies on Yūsī’s other theological views, especially his theory of knowledge.

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