Abstract

This article thoroughly examines the concept of «ignorance» in the ethical philosophy of the prominent thinker of the Turkic world, Abu Nasr al-Farabi. In his «The Views of the Inhabitants of the Virtuous City», al-Farabi describes the ideal model of societal development, introducing the concept of the «Ignorant City» as its opposite. Through this concept, the philosopher warns that spiritual stagnation and intellectual weakness within society can lead to various negative phenomena and social crises. Furthermore, the article explores the concept of «ignorance» and the ethical theories in the works of ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, analyzing the philosophical similarities and differences between their views and al-Farabi’s. The interconnectedness of Eastern and Western philosophical thought and its contemporary significance are also discussed.

The aim of the article is to analyze al-Farabi's concept of «ignorance» within his ethical framework, compare it with ancient philosophical doctrines, and highlight its importance for modern society.

Keywords: Al-Farabi, ignorance, philosophy, ethics.