A theoretical approach to the place of state in the economy: A comparative analysis of İbn Khaldun

Ibn Khaldun who is known as the pioneer of the history of civilization, has written original ideas in many areas of social sciences such as sociology, philosophy, law and economy. His new and different perspectives on social sciences have influenced a great number of scholars and many studies have been carried out on his ideas. His ideas regarding economy still awaits to be considered and studied. The essential aim of the thesis is the elimination of this deficiency. The subject of this thesis is the place of the state in the economy according to Ibn Khaldun. The Ibn Haldun's approach of human nature constitutes the basis for the study. From the approach of human nature, the view of the state Will be examined and later whether the approach to the state affects the thoughts of the economy. In the first chapter, the environmental conditions that contribute to the formation of Ibn Khaldun's thought system will be evaluated. The concepts of Sociology, Asabiya, Nomadic Life, City of Life which enrich his theories and proposed in a original way will be addressed and periods and the theories of imitation will be mentioned. Evaluating these concepts and theories facilitates to enter the idea world of Ibn Khaldun. In the second chapter, Ibn Khaldun's state theory will be examined comparatively with the state theories of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and Marx. Thus, the main aim of this study is to understand the state theory better and reveal the specific aspects of Ibn Khaldun. In the third chapter, the place of the state in the economy will be discussed in the context of his view on human and the state. On the other hand, it is claimed that Ibn Khaldun has similarities with some modern economic approaches, even in line with some scholars. In this study, the validity of these approaches is investigated. The debates about the convergence between Ibn Khaldun and other modern economic theories in the literature is clarified. Ibn Khaldun surpassed the borders of the era and geography where he lived and succeeded in shedding light in the field of economics as in many areas of social sciences. His opinions have inspired many scholars. This led to a consideration that Ibn Khaldun is in same line with some theorists. However, this thesis shows that Ibn Khaldun is a school in itself and his world of ideas is so unique that it cannot be identified with any current.