Science and African Metaphysics :: Africa Government Papers

Science and African MetaphysicsIf one takes the African status as a case study, one finds that serious efforts are make for the sake of scientific hand and exploration. However, the results attained are not parallel to the energy expended. Lack of progress is often attributed to faulty policy governance and execution on the part of African leaders and governments. This essay attempts to draw light on the source of this problem. The heuristic principle I remark holds that the metaphysical preconditioning of consciousness leads us to approach sensory data in particular ways and, furthermore, influences both our formulation of problems and possible solutions. I differentiate the lapses in African metaphysics and sketch an alternate metaphysics which I hope result inaugurate a new African system of thought.INTRODUCTIONThe distinctions amongst metaphysics As Body Of Beliefs and metaphysics as a Tool Of Exploration shall service as the foundation of this essay. The essay would re view and highlight some big characteristics of metaphysics as the most fundamental science and the basic tool of exploration. This claim, among others, has by chance been the root of most harsh and destructive criticisms against metaphysics as a re pursuance in futility. (1) These doubts and criticisms notwithstanding the understanding of metaphysics as the catalyst of scientific progress and exploration would be upheld in this essay. This is borne from the insight that scientific progress is bear on by the incline to go beyond each attainable results. To beat this urge, whether real, hypothetical or even imaginary would be identified in this essay as the pride of metaphysics. merely not all following for quantitative and qualitative scientific growth based on this urge is rewarded with the same amount of progress. If the African situation is taken ask a case study, one discovers that serious and consistent efforts are made inside this area to ask questions that go beyond th e possible limits of attainable results. Yet the curious energy expanded within the African context in terms of search for scientific answer to challenging problems does not eer seem to have yield commensurate results as comparable to what is gettable elsewhere. A pertinent question then is this Why is a quest sustained by the urge towards breaking new grounds essentially the same, but the results in terms of tangible or recognisable results tolerate at variance?TWO MODELS OF METAPHYSICAL INQUIRYTwo models shall be put up for reflection - the science oriented model and the mythical model.