An Analysis of Moral Training in Farabi's viewpoint

This paper aims at enquiry into the al-Farabi's views on how to obtain thehappiness of individual and society. Taking an analytic- descriptiveapproach to the subject in question, the paper uses primary resources toanalyze al-Farabi's ideas on moral training. Since al-Farabi had command ofboth Greek Philosophy and revealed school of Islam and traditions of theImpeccable Imams (p.b.u.t), his thought can be a very useful guide in currentsituation. Even though al-Farabi has basically spoken of socio-politicalissues, he gives priority to individual and society. He considers man a freebeing, and believes that it is possible for every individual to change (his/her)morals. He considers man as a social being, who cannot achieve happinessunless he or she receives assistance from other members of the society. Hemaintains that the sanity of individual and society are mutually influential,and that a utopia can be achieved through training sane individuals. Peoplesmoral sanity and faith are immune in this utopia. Therefore, he proposessome principles and methods to change evil deeds and create good ones.