Publisher's Synopsis
This book introduces readers to the legal epistemology that is advocated within Twelver Shi?ite uṣul al-fiqh (legal theory). It critically surveys the epistemological underpinnings upheld by post-19th century Uṣuli clerics that impel them to mainly deduce and interpret Sharia using scripture and literalist hermeneutical methods. An evaluation of these underpinnings uncovers the important juxtaposition that exists between the seminarian discourses of uṣul al-fiqh and philosophy. The book hypothesises that uṣul al-fiqh has both space and historical precedence to accept alternative epistemological theories that may enable orthodox Shi?ite clerics to display greater dynamism in deducing and interpreting Sharia.
