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 nonmaterial
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.