The effect of understanding of knowledge on religious education field: The case of brethren of purity (İkhwān al-Safā)

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the understanding of knowledge on the field of education and religious education and how this is manifested in Ikhwān al-Ṣafā. In this context, first of all, the fact of knowledge is handled and the effect of knowledge on education/religious education is investigated in line with Objectivist and Constructivist approaches. From this point of view, it is seen that different approaches about knowledge shape education and teaching. Then, Ikhwān al-Ṣafā's understanding of knowledge is emphasized and the education/religious education they conducted within the framework of this understanding is evaluated within the context of Objectivist and Constructivist approaches. Accordingly, in the philosophy of Ikhwān al-Ṣafā, it is determined that human beings are at the center, they have an eclectic structure about information, and they accept the sources of information as sense, reason, burhān, revelation and inspiration. When the educational philosophy of Ikhwān al-Ṣafā is considered in terms of teacher and student, learning and teaching situations, it is determined that it has similarities with both Objectivist and Constructivist qualities, however, similarities with Objectivist approach are more dominant.