Philosophy and Its Cultural Significance
In a recent episode of the Ramadan dialogues aired on 2M channel, esteemed university professor and philosopher Dr. Mohammed Al-Ashhab, hailing from the Bouadlal region, engaged the audience in a profound discussion about the significance of philosophy within Arab and Islamic culture. The dialogue was moderated by the renowned media figure and writer, Abdullah Terrabi. Dr. Al-Ashhab explored the often contentious relationship between philosophy and religion, addressing whether inherent conflicts exist between the two realms.
As a member of the 'Taounate Competences Forum,' Dr. Al-Ashhab took viewers on a philosophical journey, referencing the contributions of prominent Arab philosophers who have shaped the evolution of philosophical thought since its inception in ancient Greece. His insights underscored the social necessity of teaching philosophy, citing futurist Dr. Mahdi Monjra’s assertion that the development of software requires an imaginative approach. He emphasized that software engineers must possess the ability to envision solutions that address specific challenges. Furthermore, he advocated for a comprehensive restructuring of the philosophy curriculum at the secondary education level to make the subject more relatable to students.
A Journey Through Education and Academia
The episode received widespread acclaim from the residents of Taounate, reflecting the high regard in which Dr. Al-Ashhab is held due to his significant academic standing. Born in 1972 in Bouadlal, Taounate, Dr. Al-Ashhab's educational journey began in a public elementary school, followed by his middle school studies in the commune of Beni Walid. He completed his high school education at the prestigious Al-Wahda Secondary School in Taounate, where he experienced the enriching environment of a boarding school alongside peers from surrounding areas. This foundational period significantly contributed to his personal development before he advanced to Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University in Fez.
In a previous interview with the same channel, Dr. Al-Ashhab recounted his journey after obtaining his baccalaureate, which allowed him to pursue philosophy studies from 1992 to 1996. He completed his undergraduate degree with distinction and subsequently joined the Higher School of Teachers in Meknes as a trainee philosophy instructor. After finishing his training, he taught at a high school in the Beni Tajit region of Figuig, balancing his teaching responsibilities with further studies in Fez and Rabat. His dedication led him to earn a diploma in advanced studies in philosophy, paving the way for his doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Azza Arab Lahkim Benani, culminating in a dissertation on Jurgen Habermas’s critical philosophy, successfully defended in 2008.
After spending 13 years in secondary education, during which he taught in various regions across Morocco, Dr. Al-Ashhab successfully transitioned to higher education in 2009, securing a position as a philosophy professor at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, where he continues to teach. Additionally, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious University of Göttingen in Germany, an opportunity that allowed him to deepen his knowledge and enhance his understanding of the German language while collaborating with researchers worldwide.
Dr. Al-Ashhab's scholarly contributions include numerous books and articles published in Arabic, German, English, and French, showcasing his expertise in translation among the three languages. His notable works include "Philosophy and Politics in Jurgen Habermas," published by Dar Al-Najah Al-Jadida in 2000, and "Ethics of Discussion in Habermas's Communication Philosophy," released by Dar Al-Nashr Ward in 2013. He co-authored "Pragmatics and Philosophy of Language" with Abdel Rahim Al-Halwi, published by Dar Al-Qasba in 2018, and released "Language, Communication, and Translation" through the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in 2021. His recent translation work includes a comprehensive introduction to Udo Markwart's "Difficulties in the Philosophy of History," published by Al-Jamal in 2023.
As reported by taounate.net.
