Rationality of an African Science

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Periodical article

Title:	Rationality of an African Science
Author:	Dukor, Maduabuchi
Year:	1995
Periodical:	Journal of Oriental and African Studies
Volume:	7
Pages:	116-140
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	science indigenous knowledge Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Religion and Witchcraft Development and Technology
Abstract:	Science is impersonal and universal in terms of the goals it hopes to achieve. But its modus operandi may differ from one culture to another essentially because science is a methodology, a way of knowing or arriving at the truth. African traditional thought represents a phase in the progress of science. Both traditional thought (which is given to esoterism, and which is erroneously called magic and described as irrational) and Western science are in quest of the truth. African traditional thought is a science in its own right and if it could be formalized and quantified, it could be as sophisticated and predictable as Western science. Ifa divination (Yoruba, Nigeria), or divination in any part of Africa, is a case in point. Notes, ref., sum.