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Carolyn Ross
Trying to understand the universe and its workings is a daunting task, yet it has
been undergone by many scientists and philosophers since the beginning of time. Hayy
Ibn Yaqzan, a character from Muslim philosopher Ibn Tufayls novel, also tries his hand
at understanding the world and his surroundings. Hayy is mainly concerned with
cosmology and astronomy in relation to the universe. Although Hayy uses his
observations to come up with hypotheses, asks questions, and develops theories, he
does not utilize quantitative data to support his conclusions, therefore, his
understanding of the universe is not scientific.
In my opinion, for a theory or understanding to be scientific, it must be backed up
by evidence and quantitative data. Although qualitative data is important, quantitative
data is essential in order for the theory to be testable and able to be reproduced by
other scientists. If a theory is scientific, it should be organized, methodical, meticulous,
and systematic based upon the principles of science at that time. In the excerpt of Hayy
Ibn Yaqzan, Hayy was not able to express his findings in numbers, thus his
understanding was only at the beginning stages and was unsatisfactory. He did not use
experiments for his theory of the universe nor control variables. Hayys theory seemed
to be unfalsifiable, meaning there wasnt a way to test it to prove it false, due to the lack
of focus on evidence.
Hayy used a few methods of inquiry, such as observation and asking questions.
He used his observations of the heavens and the stars before he drew any conclusions,
such as when he observed how the sun and stars set to conclude the heavens were
spherical (Ibn Tufayl, Muhammed, 131). He also asked many questions, which he tried

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his best to answer through his various hypotheses. However, Hayy did not use one of
the most important methods of inquiry, which is gathering data and evidence. Without
quantitative data, Hayy is unable to make concrete theories that would be considered
scientific.
Hayy makes his theories through observing the skies and drawing conclusions.
To Hayy, one has to see it to believe it, which is why he is unable to support the idea of
infinity in regards to the size of the heavenly body. He reasons his way through each
hypothesis and theory, but no data is mentioned in congruence with these observations.
He also tried to find answers to questions that couldnt really be tested, such as when
and how the universe came about. He claims that time itself is an inseparable part of
the universe, but he has no data to prove this claim (Ibn Tufayl, Muhammed, 131).
Having theories which cannot be tested is not scientific, thus Hayys understanding of
how the universe works is not scientific. If he could include data and numbers proving
his theories discussed in the excerpt which could be tested and reproduced by other
scientists, then his understanding would become scientific.
Throughout Hayys discussion of his theories, he mentions the Cause. Hayy uses
the Cause interchangeably with Him. For example, Why did this Cause bring about a
world now rather than before? Had some outside force disturbed Him? (Ibn Tufayl,
Muhammed, 131). Thus, Hayy uses the Cause to mean some all mighty being or
spirit(s) that created the universe and all that surrounded him. Hayy explains that the
Cause cannot be fathomed by humans since it is not a part of the universe, and he
states that the Cause is not a material body, thus it doesnt have the qualities of physical
things found in the universe.

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To Hayy, cosmology is extremely important, which is why he looks to the skies for
answers to his questions. Hayy believes that everything is interconnected, so he holds a
holistic view of the universe. Having this view forces him to focus on the big picture,
versus understanding individual pieces. If he did not have such a holistic view, he would
be able to answer smaller questions more scientifically with evidence to back up his
theories. He is not able to test his view of cosmology, which makes his findings
unscientific.
Ibn Tufayl, the author to Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, does seem to be qualified to make
authoritative claims about the universe. Ibn Tufayl was well versed in various fields of
study, based his understanding on information, and was taught by others. He learned
from other practiced physicians, and he stood out among his peers, which led him to be
selected as the chief physician to the Islamic capital in Morocco (Butterworth, Charles
E). Ibn Tufayl was extremely influential throughout the field of science, and his novel
was translated multiple times into various languages. Although Ibn Tufayl was qualified
to make claims about the universe, Ibn Tufayls character, Hayy, was not shown to have
a scientific view of the universe due to his lack of quantitative data and evidence.

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Works Cited
Butterworth, Charles E. Ibn Tufayl (1110-1185). In Encyclopedia of Ethics. London:
Routledge, 2001.
Ibn Tufayl, Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Malik. Hayy Ibn Yaqzan. Trans. Simon Ockley. (New
York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1929). Page #131, paragraph #2.