Explanation and Comparison of the Classifications of the Sciences in Islamic and Western Civilizations

Based on their own epistemology and ontology, many scientists have classified the sciences. This study aimed to explain and compare the classifications of the sciences in Islamic and Western civilizations and explore their similarities and differences. This study was analytic and a literature review. Findings: Islamic scientists included domestic criteria in the classification of the sciences. Revelatory instructions, prophetic orders and resurrection beliefs affected this classification. In Western civilization, scientists classified the sciences with a new approach and special worldview and based this classification on separating religion and philosophy from natural and empirical sciences and preferring the latter. Considering differences among the principles of the classifications of the sciences in Islamic and Western civilizations has some implications for organizing sciences for education of humanities and Islamic science as well as classifying library documents relating to Islamic nations’ cultures, literature, history and geography and this can be beneficial in this aspect.