Universal Grammar of Thought: Logic in The Teachings of Al-Farabi

Abstract

This article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the logical legacy of the outstanding Eastern thinker Abu Nasr al-Farabi, known in history as the "Second Teacher." The study centers on his innovative concept of a "universal grammar of thought." The author explains how al-Farabi succeeded in legitimizing logic as an independent, transcultural discipline, transcending the narrow confines of ethnic languages and Arabic grammar. The work details the two-level structure of cognition introduced by the thinker: tasawwur (conception) as the act of comprehending the essence of things and tasdiq (judgment) as a tool for verifying truth. It is argued that this pair of categories became the foundation for the entire subsequent Eastern Peripatetic tradition.

Particular attention is paid to the classification of logical methods - from apodictic to poetics - and their role in the formation of reliable knowledge (yaqin). The study goes beyond pure theorizing, illuminating the political dimension of logic. Using one of al-Farabi's fundamental works, "Treatise on the Opinions of the Inhabitants of the Virtuous City" [3], it demonstrates how the logical apparatus serves as an "intellectual glue" and a tool of social hygiene, allowing the ruler to transform abstract truths into ethical guidelines for society through rhetoric and imagery.

The methodological basis of this work is a synthesis of a historical-philosophical approach, comparative analysis, and a systems method. The article analyzes the works of such prominent researchers as M. Khairullaev, A. Kasymzhanov, A. Sagadeev, R. Walzer, and D. Black. The author concludes that al-Farabi's logical system is not only a historical monument but also a relevant methodological basis for the development of modern critical thinking.

Recommendations are offered for integrating the thinker's ideas into modern educational programs to combat cognitive biases and strengthen intercultural dialogue in a globalized world.