Ibn Khaldun's understanding of science and secularization

Secular thought, structuring and lifestyle are undoubtedly one of the basic characteristics of the social and cultural life of contemporary societies. Despite having a long history, secularization has become one of the most important variables of the last few centuries. Although the modern secularization process has emerged and spread in Europe and the USA, this phenomenon has affected other world societies along with globalization. The phenomenon of secularization has accomplished this, especially under the influence of science, technology and philosophy. Secularization in Turkey, especially in recent years, the impact is felt strongly in many areas of life. With the start of secularization in our country, this phenomenon has started to concern us seriously. Therefore, it is inevitable that we face the phenomenon and dynamics of secularization as a society. The secularization model of the West has a secularist and positivist character that does not include God. In response, the search for new paradigm was not delayed. However, although the post-secular thinkers disagreed, the model they proposed could not go beyond making the current situation even more complicated. For example, the process of secularization here develops by first destroying the claim of the monopoly of the church and then all the claims of religious truth, while the process of postsequationalization; therefore, he also opposed science's claim to truth. Thus, at the point reached, the science paradigm of the West is a dead end and has evolved into a crisis. Ibn Khaldun seems to have a new model of secularization, which includes the scientific method and approach, as opposed to the secularization model of the West, which excludes metaphysics or is indifferent to metaphysics. When Ibn Khaldun has a closer look at his understanding of science, he has a positive understanding of the facts, but adding a divine element to scientific principles and rules distinguishes him from the dominant classical secularization model. Therefore, as a Muslim thinker, Ibn Khaldun can serve as an example to present an alternative secularization model to modern societies with his scientific understanding and scientific activities carried out by adhering to this understanding. Key words: Ibn Khaldun, religion, science, secularization