Discourse Ethics in the Ancient Arabic Literary Criticism: The Case of Abdul-Qahir Al-Jurjani

Abstract

This research deals with the ethical dimension in critical discourse, which is an important issue in the area of critical knowledge. The researcher selected Abdul-Qahir Al-Jurjani as a case or model representing the ancient Arabic literary criticism due to his central position at the level of rhetorical and critical knowledge and the knowledgeable, methodological, and ethical characteristics of his critical discourse. Therefore, the researcher viewed that Al-Jurjani’s critical discourse model is worth investigation, inquiry, and reflection. This research addressed two main issues. First, the ethical approach and methodological values (i.e., responsibility, objectivity, and originality) in Al-Jurjani’s critical discourse. Second, the language ethics in Al-Jurjani’s critical discourse at the levels of politeness, creativity, and arguments. The researcher depended on tracing these issues, and revealing Al-Jurjani’s absolute devotion to ethics in his discourse; thus, viewing him as a prominent model in the area of literary and rhetorical criticism knowledge.