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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Critical thinking, community elders and Africa's development
Author:Ukhun, Christopher E.ISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:24
Issue:1
Pages:119-139
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:development
communalism
world view
generations
sociology
Africa--Economic conditions
Africa--Social conditions
Critical thinking
Abstract:Holistic, enduring development and the 'good life' have remained elusive in contemporary Africa. The failure to realize meaningful development in Africa is due in large part to the continent's failure to identify the relevant locus or loci which truncate(s) development efforts. In this, critical and creative thinking constitute vital and signifcant factors. African communalism per se does not impede critical-cum-creative thinking. It is the community elders, specifically the male elders, who impose themselves on other community members, thereby truncating the free reign of critical thinking. In light of the importance of critical thinking as a desideratum of meaningful or holistic development, elders who are leaders in Africa need to adopt an attitude of 'intellectual humility' which allows them to value or discern the virtue of critical inquiry or thinking embedded in the nature of all community members. This orientation will ultimately enthrone critical dialogue with a view to examining the assumptions, world views or social vision which provide the anchor for development. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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