By Emmanuel Afonne
The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Uduma, has challenged the Cartesian model of knowledge, describing relational epistemology as one of the most significant philosophical conversations of contemporary times.
Uduma said this on Thursday while delivering remarks virtually at the Department of Philosophy’s third lecture series in Abuja, with the theme: “Relational Thinking: On the Challenges of Relational Epistemologies.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, sources and limits of knowledge.
Uduma said his intervention reflected both his role as a philosopher and as the Vice-Chancellor of an institution committed to the creation, preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
He said questions about the nature of knowledge remained central to philosophical inquiry.
“What does it mean to know? Who is the knower? Under what conditions is knowledge possible? What is the relationship between the individual, the community and truth?” he asked.
According to him, much of modern epistemology since French philosopher René Descartes has been shaped by the idea of an autonomous and rational individual.
He said whether through rationalism or empiricism, knowledge had largely been conceived as the achievement of an individual consciousness seeking certainty through detached reflection or sensory experience.
“Within that framework, the knowing subject is detached from history, culture, language and community,” he said.
Uduma, a Professor of Logic and Barrister-at-Law, however, argued that relationality had long been a foundational principle of African philosophy.
According to him, relational thinking underpins African metaphysics, ethics, politics and epistemology.
“African philosophy does not approach relational thinking as a newly discovered intellectual fashion.
“It approaches it as one of its enduring philosophical inheritances,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting Head of the Department of Philosophy, Dr Helen Olujede, presented the citation of the guest lecturer, Prof. Anke Graness of the University of Hildesheim, Germany.
Olujede said Graness’ research interests include the history of philosophy, African philosophy, intellectual history, global justice and feminist theory. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma