Javad Tabatabai’s masterpiece in English

The book “Ibn Khaldun and the Social Sciences: Discourse on the Condition of Im-Possibility” by Seyyed Javad Tabatabai has been published in English. The book, titled “Ibn Khaldun and the Social Sciences: Discourse on the Condition of Im-Possibility,” was translated by Philip Grant and released by the reputable publisher Polity in late 2024 for English-speaking audiences. Polity is a well-regarded English-language publisher that releases top research in the humanities. Works by some of the most prominent current humanities researchers have been published by this press. Tabatabai’s book is part of the “Critical South Series” by this publisher. This series also includes works by authors from Africa and Latin America, with some pieces focusing on postcolonial studies and Latin American studies.

Catherine Malabou, a professor of philosophy at Kingston University, wrote about this work: “After Kant and Foucault, this is Javad Tabatabai’s version of ‘What Is Enlightenment?’. Tabatabai demonstrates that Ibn Khaldun is considered the founder of social sciences in the 14th century, but despite his undeniable genius, he was unable to implement the necessary critical transformation that his scientific approach required. Tabatabai’s masterpiece, beyond being a book about Iran and a reflection on all its epistemological problems, offers a deep reflection on the creative resources secretly hidden behind every condition of impossibility.”

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The English translation of Seyyed Javad Tabatabai’s book “Ibn Khaldun and Social Sciences,” translated by Philip Grant and spanning 414 pages, has been released by Polity publishers. This is a significant event in intercultural exchange and helps introduce Iranian ideas globally. The best ideas, if confined to a limited and local level, will not find their deserving audience and have little impact. Translating works by Iranian authors into other languages helps their ideas reach a wider audience. It also helps in understanding the independent status of these thinkers, who, although influenced by Western philosophy and sociology, have tried to maintain their local and personal understanding of issues and possess a degree of genius and originality. The translation of Iranian works into foreign languages shows that our country also contributes to the expansion of knowledge and is not merely a passive recipient of foreign works or a producer of second-rate works. It is hoped that the translation of Persian works into other languages continues, and these translations also indirectly help increase the quality of Persian writings.