Decolonizing Science
The Search for Thales and Euclid
David S. Jacobs(Author)
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Published on 1. May 2025
Book
Hardback
432 pages
978-1-0364-4202-6 (ISBN)
Description
Science denial is on the rise globally. Part of the reason for this is that science, falsely portrayed as a solely European invention, alienates most of the world. This book traces the historical development of science and shows how its history and philosophy were shaped by Europe's colonial agenda. Racial and gendered prejudices were converted into scientific concepts and the history of human civilization was repurposed to portray science as a European invention. In the process, it was ancient Greek scholars, like Thales and Euclid, who were credited with the invention of modern science. Abstract theorizing became a defining characteristic of science and human experience became non-essential. Biodiversity, including human diversity, was viewed as consisting of discrete non-overlapping types. As a consequence, humanity was divided into a hierarchy of 'races' and genders. This view of the world is divorced from reality and the reason why modern science struggles to explain humanity, intelligence and life. Using a more realistic historical perspective, the author argues that racial and gendered identities are not relevant to science or any other sphere of human endeavour. Instead, the author advocates for realism that will make science logically consistent, inclusive, humane and relevant.
More details
Edition
Unabridged edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Unabridged edition
Product notice
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 148 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0364-4202-6 (9781036442026)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
01/2026
1st Edition
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
€67.03
Shipment within 15-20 days

E-Book
04/2025
1st Edition
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
€259.99
Available for download
Person
David S. Jacobs is a recently retired evolutionary biologist and currently an Emeritus Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. Born in Kimberley, South Africa, in 1957, he was employed by UCT as a lecturer in 1994 after completing his PhD degree at the University of Hawai'i (1988 to 1993). He also has a BSc degree and a BSc Honours in Zoology, both from UCT. Whilst at UCT he held the research chair for Animal Evolution & Systematics for 10 years and taught evolutionary biology and the history and philosophy of science. He has published two books, several book chapters and more than 80 refereed scientific papers.