Ankara Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi

Öz

This paper, within the framework of C. Wright Mills’ thoughts on “Sociological Imagination and Intellectual Craftsmanship,” examines how the renowned philosopher Farabi conceptualized the relationship between the individual and society in his work El-Medinetü’l Fâzıla (The Virtuous City). Farabi, by merging Islamic philosophy and Greek thought, presents an ideal society governed by a philosopher-king. In this society, the harmony between the individual and the community is of vital importance in achieving the ultimate good. The problem addressed in the paper is how Farabi’s vision of society uniquely combines philosophical ideals with social structures and how this vision can be analyzed in light of modern sociological theory. Specifically, this study aims to examine how Farabi’s model integrates the contributions of individuals to societal welfare and how the critical, intellectual engagement of the philosopher-defined as intellectual craftsmanship-shapes the dynamics of the community. The research employs sociological analysis and document examination methods to explore Farabi’s work. Through this approach, Farabi’s philosophical propositions are reviewed, and their connections to contemporary sociological discussions about the relationship between individual actions and social structure are evaluated. The findings focus on significant elements of Farabi’s thought that address the interaction between personal development and societal harmony. The most important conclusions highlight how Farabi’s ideal society provides insight into maintaining a balance between individual intellectual growth and societal responsibilities. These conclusions reveal that Farabi’s philosophy offers a coherent model for both individual and societal well-being.