Alpyağıl’s Case for Canon

Abstract

This chapter introduces the reader to the figure and work of Istanbul theologian and philosopher of religion RecepAlpyağıl.Alpyağıl’s work reflects a deep critical interest in authenticity and the formation of intellectual canon. This discussion lays out his case for an inclusive canon of philosophy of religion and explores why Alpyağıl thinks it is needed in the context of an authentically Turkish and Muslim study of philosophy of religion. In his case for an inclusive canon, Alpyağıl turns to the example of French philosopher of religion Paul Ricoeur and his discussion of intertextuality. By teasing out the parallels between Ricoeur’s legacy in philosophy of religion and Alpyağıl’s use of Ricoeur’s example for a Turkish paradigm, this chapter argues for the dialectical and complex nature of Alpyağıl’s proposed path forward: that an authentically Turkish and Muslim philosophy of religion is intertextual and inclusive.