Dialogue of Civilizations as a Framework for Global Ethics: A Conceptual Analysis Between Islamic Tradition and Contemporary Humanitarian Discourse

Abstract

The aspiration for a unified global ethic often founders on the stubborn realities of civilisational particularity. While calls for universal moral frameworks proliferate, they frequently struggle to reconcile diverse cultural and religious traditions, leading to ethical propositions that feel more imposed than collaboratively constructed. This paper scrutinises the conceptual terrain of intercivilisational dialogue as a potential global ethical framework, specifically examining the intricate relationship between Islamic tradition and contemporary humanism. It argues that a genuine ethical architecture cannot simply flatten difference, nor can it retreat into isolated moral silos. Instead, the real challenge lies in fostering a dynamic, critical engagement that respects distinct ethical genealogies while seeking shared ground for human flourishing. The existing discourse often either oversimplifies Islamic ethical contributions or dismisses contemporary humanism as inherently secular, thereby missing opportunities for profound conceptual cross-pollination. This analysis contends that only through an intentional, robust dialogue, one prepared to confront entrenched assumptions and acknowledge historical power imbalances, might a truly inclusive and resilient global ethic begin to emerge, offering a more compelling vision than the predictable alternative of fragmented moralities.