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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The role of mathematics and scientific thought in Africa: a Renaissance perspective
Authors:Rambane, Daniel ThanyaniISNI
Mashige, Mashudu C.ISNI
Year:2007
Periodical:International Journal of African Renaissance Studies
Volume:2
Issue:2
Pages:183-199
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:mathematics
indigenous knowledge
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/18186870701751681
Abstract:This article examines the centrality of mathematics and scientific thought in sociocultural, human and intellectual development in African societies. Evidence is presented which refutes the theory that Africans had no 'intelligible sense of numeracy' before contact with the West, and which demonstrates that the propagation of this myth was part of the larger colonial project to marginalize and 'other-ize' African knowledge systems. Tracing Africa's early contributions to mathematics and scientific thought forces a shift from the standard Western-based approach to pedagogy in this field. It renders a subject that is perceived and presented as alien to African culture more accessible to African learners. The article pays particular attention to ancient African mathematical artefacts, the art of counting, riddles and puzzles, sand drawing, and games. It argues that, ultimately, acknowledging the long history of mathematics and scientific thought in Africa is a step in foregrounding African epistemologies in knowledge production, human and social development and towards the realization of the African Renaissance. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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