Perceiving the self, performing knowledge
February 25, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003600619-21 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Reciprocal Action physics Meaning existential Islam Materiality auditing Social constructionism Aesthetics Epistemology Social constructivism Social perception Performativity |
| Key findings | Argues that in Sufism, perception is a social, embodied practice shaped by communicative actions and aesthetic experiences, rather than mere cognition. |
Abstract
In Sufism, the pursuit of Truth requires more than just cognition, demanding an embodied, reciprocal engagement with the world. Perception is seen as a social practice shaped by interactions and heightened self- and other-awareness, with aesthetic perception playing a crucial role in Sufi practices. Using phenomenological and constructivist approaches, this study investigates how subjective experiences gain meaning through communicative actions, focusing on the materiality and corporeality of these interactions. The analysis highlights the challenges of verbalizing experiences and emphasizes the role of bodily performativity and sensory experiences in constructing reality and social relationships. By examining the interplay between emotion and action within the Sufi milieu, the study underscores the importance of aesthetic perception in Islamic cultural contexts. The chapter concludes with reflections on how research methods influence the understanding of perception as a cultural practice, particularly within the framework of Islamic subjectivity.