A CRITIQUE OF FORCE IN AFRICAN WORLDVIEW

Abstract

Vital force is in hierarchical order in African worldview from God the supreme vital force through to the ancestors-the living dead, divinities, living humans, animals, plants and minerals. There are both material and non-material dimensions of force in African worldview which qualifies it to have a metaphysical (non-material) and scientific (material) basis simultaneously. Factual or material knowledge among the people of Africa is mainly restricted to matter of everyday living not really giving a place of prominence by way of in-depth reflection and analysis. It is also mostly the fundamental concerns of the artisans. But without any doubt, the work of artisans played a decisive role in establishing man’s knowledge of and mastery over the material universe which precedes Western science as it is known today. Africans therefore, are very conscious materially only in the sense that they use the material force in the universe to enhance their life-force, healing and magical powers. This is why sacred plants, places, hills, rivers, valleys, mountains and animals are used by Africans to manipulate nature without any economic or infrastructural benefits accruing from such practices. The study employs the method of criticism and argues that focusing on the non-material aspect of reality wholly as the major preoccupation and explanation for every phenomenon in the African universe is the major reason why Africa is still scientifically and technologically underdeveloped. Thus, striking a balance in both the material and non-material aspect of force in African worldview or focusing more on research on the material aspect of reality devoid of non-material explanation will see to a new generation of Africans who will overcome present economic and infrastructural deficit by coming up with indigenous African science and technology for the peoples economic emancipation and wellbeing.