Decolonizing Science

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.