Professor Maitland Hyslop of Durham University urged researchers and professors of Arab universities to search for solutions that would help all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, to actively participate in developing the society.
He highlighted this point in his opening speech in the 5th Scientific Research Forum, which was held under the patronage of Ahlia University’s Founding President, Professor Abdullah Al Hawaj. The forum posed several discussions and research papers presented by 30 experts including professors and researchers.
He presented a paper entitled: “The Importance of Knowledge in Social Development and the Challenges Facing Knowledge Development”. Prof. Hyslop further praised the economic visions of several capital cities of the GCC countries, especially Manama and Riyadh. He recalled the experience of the great polymath, Hassan ibn Al Haytham, who lived in the tenth and eleventh centuries. “Ibn Al Haytham believed that a real researcher had to scrutinize the writings of ancient scholars, and not just study and put blind faith into them.” he said, adding, “History reveals to us that Arabs lived in a golden era between the eighth and the thirtieth centuries, where they were at the peak of their scientific contributions in Baghdad and other Arab civilizations. Europe at that time was suffering from illiteracy and scientific backwardness,” he explained.
Increasing the Pace of Social Debate
Prof. Hyslop declared that the economic visions of the GCC are advanced and can accommodate many of the aspects required in community development, especially education. He stressed the need to raise public awareness and faith in these visions so that they can be implemented perfectly.
He underlined the need to increase the pace of social debate, which would help these economic visions in having a positive impact on the community. “Through frank and calm discussions you can bridge the gap between different segments of the society,” he noted.
