An Open Seminar on “Al-Farabi and the Concept of the Virtuous City” Was Held

On October 14, 2026, Almas Ibragimov, a second-year master’s student in the Political Science educational program at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, conducted an open seminar as part of his teaching practice. The seminar was held within the course “Eastern Political Thought” and focused on the topic “Al-Farabi and the Concept of the Virtuous City in Eastern Political Thought.”

The aim of the seminar was to analyze Al-Farabi’s political and philosophical legacy and develop students’ critical thinking skills by examining his concept of the Virtuous City in the context of contemporary socio-political processes in Kazakhstan.

During the seminar, students explored Al-Farabi’s views on society, the common good, just governance, and the virtuous ruler. The session incorporated problem-based questions, the Think–Pair–Share method, group SWOT analysis, and the “Political Compass” reflection activity.

The open seminar aimed to help students apply theoretical knowledge in practice, critically evaluate political phenomena, and analyze the connections between historical and philosophical ideas and contemporary social processes.

 Academic Supervisor: D.E. Kopezhanova, Senior Lecturer, PhD.