Cartesian doubt according to Taha Hussein: Cognitive paradigm or lackluster reception?

Abstract

This article attempts to approach the critical consciousness of one of the pioneers of critical inter-culturality in in modern Arab culture, namely Taha Hussein who introduced us to the theory of Cartesian methodological skepticism. The article examines Hussein’s critical consciousness in the light of S.T. Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions and asks some questions: Did Hussein bring about a revolution  or an epistemological paradigm? Was Hussein working along an implicit epistemological blueprint   in the interest of his own culture? Did he identify with that culture?   And was he aware of the diversity of theories so as to choose consciously what is suitable to the Arab culture.