African Epistemologies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47854/r6y3y619Keywords:
african epistemologies, epistemic justice, holism and interconnection, decolonized methodologies, ubuntu and ujamaa, knowledge transmissionAbstract
African epistemologies emerge from the social, spiritual, and environmental realities of the African continent. They offer a holistic vision of knowledge, based on the interconnectedness between human beings and their environment, lived experience, and spirituality. Their modes of knowledge production are inductive and situated, valuing oral traditions, community narratives, and local practices.
Historically marginalized, African epistemologies are now contributing to debates on epistemic justice and the development of decolonized theoretical frameworks. Their principles, such as ubuntu, embody philosophical foundations that center community, solidarity, and complementarity in the production and transmission of knowledge. Despite growing recognition, their integration requires adapted methodological approaches and a critical reassessment of dominant epistemic biases.
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