Nurettin Topçu’s theory of intuition as a response to positivism : an analytical-critical study with reference to naturalised epistemology

Abstract

This research analyses the concept of intuition in naturalized epistemology, comparing it in terms of epistemologists and naturalists through Nurettin Topçu’s interpretation of intuition and its connection with self/consciousness. This study examines primary and secondary sources using the research methodology of critical analysis with exploratory qualitative research. First of all, it explores the contention of Willard Van Orman Quine (1908-2000), who is accepted as the founder of naturalized epistemology, that philosophy is no longer needed because science will replace philosophy. In this context, there is a problem in which this claim creates in terms of both the philosophy and “Islamic thought”. The concept of intuition, which has an important place in naturalized epistemology discussions, is a concept to which Topçu attributes significance in acquiring knowledge, which he associates with the concept of Irādah (will). Modern positivism i.e. logical positivism, which underwent a radical change with Quine, was also scrutinized under Naturalized Epistemology. Fundamentally, three distinguished processes emerged as Replacement Naturalism represented by Quine, Substantive/Moderate Naturalism represented by Alvin Goldman (1938-2024), and Cooperative Naturalism represented by Hilary Kornblith (b. 1954). It has been determined that the debate about the concept of intuition, which is as old as the history of philosophy, is not about its existence but about its nature. In this regard, the discussion seems to be whether intuition is Extra Natural in essence, or it is a completely Natural Kind. Topçu, who is against the exclusion of metaphysics from philosophy, resembles naturalists in some respects, including in his treatment of intuition. He clearly puts forward his stance with the concept of Irādah (will), which he bases on a metaphysical basis that reflects his epistemological point of view/stance. Apparently, the concept of intuition is also essential in Topçu’s Islamic thought, which is directly related to his philosophical thought. Appropriately, the relationship between Topçu’s mystical intuition and Sufism is examined. However, as observed, the intuition he used in philosophical methodology and the intuition he systemized in Islamic mysticism are different from each other, albeit they are not completely separate. Accordingly, his concepts of intuition and mystical intuition are analysed. The thesis concludes that Nurettin Topçu raises a novel Islamic epistemology, in which intuition and Irādah are metaphysically formative, and play an active role in the process of acquiring knowledge.