Uncovering Modernity 9 Slides
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The document discusses the intertwined relationship between science, technology, and innovation (STI) and modernity in Africa, highlighting a need for scientific renewal due to low scientific production and cultural constraints. It emphasizes that progress requires a transformation of existing beliefs and a break from superstitions, advocating for a new cultural paradigm that encourages freethinking and a secular approach to knowledge. Ultimately, the document posits that without embracing STI and adopting a rational, critical mindset, Africa may struggle to achieve true modernity.
![AFRICA 3.0 For Uncovering Modernity Jacques L. Hamel ECA / ISTD [email_address]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/uncoveringmodernity9slides-100115024212-phpapp02/85/Uncovering-Modernity-9-Slides-1-320.jpg)
Uncovering Modernity 9 Slides
- 1. AFRICA 3.0 For Uncovering Modernity Jacques L. Hamel ECA / ISTD [email_address]
- 2. Science, Technology, Innovation and Modernity STI and Modernity Go Together STI Co-Constitutive of Modernity Is Africa Scientifically ‘Castrated’ ? Low scientific production (< 0.1% of world) Needs Scientific Renewal Scientific Progress Halted by Totalizing Cultures Scientific Facts Subjugated to Cosmo-Religio-Cultural Interpretations ‘ When We Speak of a Renaissance We Speak of Advances in Science and Technology’ (Thabo Mbeki)
- 3. Characteristics of Processes of Modernity Rationalization / Validation Technologization / Innovation Secularization / De-Mythologization Commodification / Monetization Massification / Normalization Individualization / Democratization Urbanization / Industrialization Differentiation / Autonomization Bureau/Technocratization / Technicization
- 4. Role of STI for Uncovering Modernity Generous Vision of Potential of STI Renewal, Revival, Rebirth, Reawakening Break With Past New Cultural Paradigm African Century Third Wave (K. Annan) New Dawn (Mbeki) Political / Cultural Regeneration
- 5. Transformative Power of STI for Uncovering Modernity No Modernity Without STI Scientific Progress Not Only About Addition of Sc Knowledge But a Transformation of Existing Mythological, Superstitious, Magical, Pre-Sc Knowledge Challenge: Science Too Painful for Masses Superstitious / Over-Religious Cultures Science Challenge Religions (R wins over Sc) No Sc Culture Anywhere in World
- 6. Role of Freethinking for Uncovering Modernity No Blind Obedience to Deities / Gods Priests / Mullahs Shamans / Witches / Sorcerers Myths Radical Criticism of Received Ideas Sc = Basis Transition to Adult Status Hegel Break Traditions / Customs / Ways of Life
- 7. Freethinking for Uncovering Modernity Form Opinions Independently of Tech Code: Religions, Faiths, Revelations Mythologies, Traditions Authority Established Beliefs Superstitions, Taboos Pre-Packaged Ideologies Form Opinions on Basis of Reason Subversive Rationalization Scientific Attitudes, Mentalities > Important than Larger Stocks of Scientific Knowledge
- 8. Role of Science for Uncovering Modernity Science = New Basis of Beliefs Epistemological Foundations of Modernity Aim at: Clearing Metaphysical / Epistemological Debris Littering Cultural Landscape Overcoming Cultural / Religious Cultural Detritus Constraining Tech Development Divesting Ourselves of Old / Obsolete / Archaic Habits of Thought Self-Exorcism
- 9. Role of Secularity for Uncovering Modernity Courage to Know Modern Knowledge Orientation Learning = Key But Unlearning = Master Key Inertia of Pre-Modern Superstitious Beliefs Thinking Views ‘ Secular Costume’ – Modernity = Secular