Challenges and Limitations of Rational Education from Farabi’s Perspective

Object: The present study examines the obstacles to rational education based on Farabi’s thought and analyzes its role in shaping a reason-oriented society. The main question: What factors hinder the flourishing of the faculty of reason, and how can they be overcome? Research Method: This research employs the descriptive phenomenological method using Colaizzi's approach and explores Farabi’s primary works, particularly The Opinions of the People of the Virtuous City and Political Regime, to gain a deep understanding of the barriers to rational education. Findings: The findings indicate that nine key factors, including ignorance, fanaticism and blind imitation, weakness of will, dominance of appetitive and irascible faculties over the soul, an unhealthy public culture, superstitions, lack of rational role models, linguistic errors, irrational structures, and tyranny and lack of meritocracy, are the main obstacles to rational education. Accordingly, educational system reform to strengthen critical thinking, promoting a culture based on rationality, and enhancing meritocracy in governance are among the proposed solutions to address these obstacles. This study underscores the necessity of revisiting Farabi’s ideas to address contemporary crises and enhance rational thinking in modern societies.