Virtue as a Moral Principle of аl-Farabi’s Ethics

RUDN Journal of Philosophy, 2026

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DOI 10.22363/2313-2302-2026-30-2-576-601
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

This study examines the ethical heritage of Abu Nasr al-Farabi, focusing on his doctrine of virtue and moral perfection. The research aims to reveal the socio-cultural context and humanistic orientation of al-Farabi’s ethical teachings while exploring his views on the formation of a complete and genuine individual. Special attention is given to the concept of the “Perfect Man” ( Insan al-Kamil ), a key element of Eastern peripatetic philosophy. The study analyzes al-Farabi’s philosophy of the “Virtuous City”, an ideal model of a just society where moral and intellectual excellence serve as the foundation of governance. The influence of al-Farabi’s thought on the ethical philosophy of the Turkic world and its relevance to contemporary moral issues in Kazakhstan is also considered. The study is based on primary sources, including al-Farabi’s treatises, and modern interpretations of his legacy. Through comparative, historical-philosophical, and hermeneutical methods, the research highlights intersections between al-Farabi’s teachings and broader moral-ethical norms. The findings underscore the significance of al-Farabi’s philosophical ideas in shaping contemporary Kazakhstani cultural values and their continued relevance in discussions on ethical development and social harmony.