“Dare to be Wise!” On the Reception of al-Jabri Post-2011

Abstract

This chapter examines reactions to the so-called Arab Spring by authors from the Middle East-North Africa who explicitly refer to the Moroccan philosopher of rationalism al-Jabri in their discussion of the new social mobilization since the end of 2010. After introducing his life’s work with regard to his practical, political and didactical engagement, five contemporary Arab scholars are presented in order to understand their (diverse) lines of argumentation, based on al-Jabri’s heritage and the way it is received and put to use. This reception centres on al-Jabri’s conception of re-appropriating Arab-Islamic heritage in the light of foreign cultural and economic penetration, political alienation and internal subjugation. Al-Jabri’s views on human rights, social justice, freedom and the state of law are introduced in the context of the ongoing region-wide protests and turmoil.