A Comparative Study Of Iqbal’s Khudi And Charles Taylor’s Selfhood

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of Charles Taylor’s concept of Selfhood and Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi, focusing on the understanding of human identity, freedom, and moral development. Taylor’s Selfhood emphasizes the social and cultural dimensions of the self, highlighting the role of recognition, community, and historical context in shaping individual identity. In contrast, Iqbal’s Khudi underscores the inner, spiritual, and moral empowerment of the self, developed through self-realization, discipline, and purposeful action. By examining these perspectives side by side, the study identifies both convergences and divergences in the philosophical understanding of selfhood. The comparison demonstrates that while Taylor situates freedom and authenticity within social and cultural frameworks, Iqbal situates them within spiritual growth and moral responsibility. The analysis provides a cross-cultural insight into the formation of identity, highlighting the interplay between social, ethical, and spiritual factors. This research contributes to philosophical discourse, educational theory, and ethical reflection, offering a framework for understanding the self in contemporary society.