African Systems of Thought and Scientific Knowledge
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Date
2016-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The thesis explores the nature of African systems of thought and their relation with scientific
knowledge. These thought systems can be manifested in different practices in Africa. Some of
them are religious and spiritual, others are also magico-religious and most others are scientific
practices. By each one of these practices, Africans since antiquity are being supported and lead
their lives. We can see, like medical practices of traditional African healers among other notable
practices. But despite this fact, many scholars and thinkers both abroad and inside Africa have no
inspiring and positive views about the meaningful efforts of Africans in areas of science and also
philosophy. But I found that Africa does not deserve at least this derogatory labeling for all
thought systems as mere superstition and magic, because it is the granary of different important
scientific practices that have equal and sometimes better validity than the Western modern
scientific practices in some areas like medicine. Therefore, this leads us to the idea that African efforts for science and technology is left aside and instead the spiritual and magical activities aretaken to the center as the major bodies of thought of Africans. So, in this thesis, I argued that there are valid and effective scientific practices both in the Ancient and the present timesalthough there has been many influences from the Western culture and science
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Philosophy