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Toward Post-Abyssal Democracies: Epistemologies of the South

Anthony Wells

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Published in Demodiversity: Toward Post Abyssal Democracies (Epistemologies Of The South)

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The concept of the abyssal is a useful way to understand the ways in which the global South has been marginalized and excluded from the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy. The abyssal is a space of radical alterity, a place that is beyond the reach of understanding and knowledge. It is a place where the human subject is reduced to a state of pure potentiality, a being that is not yet fully human.

Demodiversity: Toward Post-Abyssal Democracies (Epistemologies of the South)

by Boaventura de Sousa Santos

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The global South has been cast into the abyss by the forces of colonialism and globalization. Colonialism created a system of racial and economic hierarchy that placed the West at the top and the South at the bottom. Globalization has further entrenched this hierarchy, creating a world in which the South is seen as a source of cheap labor and raw materials.

The abyssal is not just a physical space, but also a mental space. It is a way of thinking about the world that privileges the West and marginalizes the South. This way of thinking is reflected in the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy. These narratives present the West as the birthplace of democracy and the South as a place that is not yet ready for democracy.

The epistemologies of the South offer alternative ways of understanding the world and of building more just and democratic societies. These epistemologies are based on the experiences and knowledge of the people of the South. They challenge the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy and offer new ways of thinking about the world.

The epistemologies of the South can help us to build post-abyssal democracies. These democracies will be based on the principles of equality, solidarity, and respect for diversity. They will be democracies that are truly inclusive, democracies that give voice to all people, regardless of their race, class, gender, or sexual orientation.

Decolonization and the Epistemologies of the South

Decolonization is the process of dismantling the colonial system and its legacies. It is a process that is both political and epistemological. Political decolonization involves the dismantling of the colonial state and the establishment of independent governments. Epistemological decolonization involves the dismantling of the colonial mindset and the development of new ways of understanding the world.

The epistemologies of the South are an important part of the process of epistemological decolonization. These epistemologies offer alternative ways of understanding the world that challenge the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy. They offer new ways of thinking about the world that are more inclusive and more just.

Critical Theory and the Epistemologies of the South

Critical theory is a school of thought that is concerned with the critique of power and domination. Critical theorists argue that power is not simply a matter of force or coercion, but also a matter of knowledge and discourse. Critical theory seeks to expose the ways in which power is used to maintain the status quo and to oppress and marginalize those who are different.

The epistemologies of the South are an important part of critical theory. These epistemologies offer alternative ways of understanding the world that challenge the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy. They offer new ways of thinking about the world that are more inclusive and more just.

Critical theory and the epistemologies of the South can help us to build post-abyssal democracies. These democracies will be based on the principles of equality, solidarity, and respect for diversity. They will be democracies that are truly inclusive, democracies that give voice to all people, regardless of their race, class, gender, or sexual orientation.

Globalization and the Epistemologies of the South

Globalization is a process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among people and places around the world. Globalization has had a profound impact on the global South, both positive and negative. On the one hand, globalization has created new opportunities for economic growth and development in the South. On the other hand, globalization has also led to increased inequality and poverty in the South.

The epistemologies of the South are an important part of understanding the impact of globalization. These epistemologies offer alternative ways of understanding the world that challenge the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy. They offer new ways of thinking about the world that are more inclusive and more just.

The concept of post-abyssal democracies is a useful way to think about the future of democracy in the global South. Post-abyssal democracies will be based on the principles of equality, solidarity, and respect for diversity. They will be democracies that are truly inclusive, democracies that give voice to all people, regardless of their race, class, gender, or sexual orientation.

The epistemologies of the South are an important part of building post-abyssal democracies. These epistemologies offer alternative ways of understanding the world that challenge the dominant narratives of modernity and democracy. They offer new ways of thinking about the world that are

Demodiversity: Toward Post-Abyssal Democracies (Epistemologies of the South)

by Boaventura de Sousa Santos

5 out of 5