Tasfiyah: Jurnal Pemikiran Islam
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Tasfiyah: Jurnal Pemikiran Islam

Critical Analysis of Matthew Lipman's Multidimensional Thinking In Philosophy for Children (P4C) from The Perspective of Islamic Thought

Mohammad Muslih (Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Indonesia)
Nurul Inayah (Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study employs a critical descriptive-comparative approach to examine Matthew Lipman’s concept of multidimensional thinking in Philosophy for Children (P4C) from the perspective of Islamic thought. In the context of global education that prioritizes STEAM disciplines to promote Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), Lipman’s framework highlights critical, creative, and caring thinking as core dimensions. However, Islamic epistemology offers a more holistic understanding of thought. Using qualitative analysis, this study first reconstructs Lipman’s ideas based on Thinking in Education and Philosophy Goes to School, alongside classical Islamic concepts of ‘aql (intellect), qalb (heart), and nafs (soul). A comparative analysis is conducted to identify key similarities and differences, followed by a critical evaluation of the epistemological limitations of Lipman’s model. The findings indicate that, in Islam, thinking transcends rational processes and encompasses spiritual and ethical dimensions. While Lipman’s model is valuable in cultivating reflective thinking, it remains largely secular. Islam, by contrast, integrates reason, intuition, and divine consciousness. This study concludes that multidimensional thinking in Islam reflects the principle of tawḥīd al-‘ilm, offering a more integrated framework that unifies intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions of knowledge.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

tasfiyah

Publisher

Subject

Description

Tasfiyah: Jurnal Pemikiran Islam is a Journal of Islamic Thought on Aqidah, Philosophy, Sufism with reference to the Islamic Worldview approach. The journal gives emphasis on aspects related to Aqidah, Philosophy, Sufism and Islamic Thought: Issues and Concepts of Aqeedah Islamiyah; Islamic ...