Morality of Muneccimbasi Ahmed Dede The Idea: Messai with Philosophy and Sufism Synthesizing the Thought in Israki Wisdom

Abstract

This article analyses the chapter of ethics of the commentary of Ahlak al-Adud which was written by Ottoman thinker Muneccimbasi Ahmed Dede in the late seventeenth century. In discussing this work which should be regarded within the genre of practical philosophy, this article has two main purposes. Primarily, it argues that synthesizing the theory of moderation-balance and virtue with the method of ascetism-purification through abstention from material and physical pleasures in order to see and know the truth of divine light seems impossible. Secondly, this study suggests that Muneccimbasi Ahmed Dede's commentary was an attempt of updating and the renewal of the ancient (qadim) through the integration of different methods into the scope of ethical and practical philosophy.