Comparative exploration of freedom, knowledge and dignity in the eastern and western philosophy of Enlighteners

Abstract

This article conducts a comparative analysis of the concepts of freedom, knowledge, and dignity as portrayed in the works of Frederick Douglass, one of the central figures in the biographical novel TransAtlantic by Colum McCann, and Abdurauf Fitrat, a prominent figure in Uzbek Jadid thought and Enlightenment, as depicted in the biography Jadids: Abdurauf Fitrat by Hamidulla Boltaboyev. McCann’s TransAtlantic describes the intricacies of human existence and the enduring pursuit of dignity transcending temporal and spatial boundaries, as reflected in the ideologies of Frederick Douglass. Conversely, Boltaboyev’s biography accentuates Fitrat’s role in the Enlightenment movement, unveiling the intricate intersections between knowledge, dignity, and the yearning for freedom within the historical context of Central Asia. The article systematically dissects the thematic fabric that binds these narratives, presenting readers with a comprehensive perspective on shared human aspirations and the nuanced interplay of ideals across diverse cultures and historical epochs.