The 'paranormal': African philosophy questions science

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The 'paranormal': African philosophy questions science
Author:	Ajei, Martin
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Legon Journal of the Humanities (ISSN 0855-1502)
Volume:	20
Pages:	23-43
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	science cosmology Akan Philosophy, Psychology Parapsychology Philosophy, African Philosophy and science
Abstract:	Modern science and its underlying philosophical doctrine, physicalism, have persistently denied reality to a set of phenomena they refer to as 'paranormal'. However, belief in the occurrence of these events is common to many non-Western cultures. This essay addresses the question of the reality of these events and advances the view that science, on its own methodology, can neither sustain the denial of their reality nor justify its rejection of the 'paranormal' as sources of knowledge. Broadening the methodology of science to embrace the procedures that traditional African thinkers employ for the investigation of nature can make meaningful contributions to the search for knowledge and truth. The discussion is set within the context of African indigenous knowledge systems, with particular reference to Akan cosmology and the Akan ontologico-epistemological concept of 'sunsum', 'a universal force that functions as the activating principle of all existing things'. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract, edited]