The Scent of the Father: Essay on the Limits of Life and Science in Sub-Saharan Africa

Valentin-Yves Mudimbe is a Congolese philosopher, novelist, poet, essayist, and academic who is widely considered to be one of the most important African thinkers of his generation. Mudimbe's writings, such as "The Invention of Africa," have been hugely influential across many disciplines and established him as a key postcolonial thinker. In "The Scent of the Father," Mudimbe explores the complex links between Africa and the West and argues that Africa must become aware of what remains Western in its concepts and forms of thought to escape the West's influence. He also suggests that Africa should elucidate the modalities of integrating Africans into the myths of the West while aiming at the readaptation of the African psyche in the wake of violence. This seminal work is of great interest to anyone concerned with the legacies of colonialism and the debates on decolonization and decoloniality in the social and human sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Valentin-Yves Mudimbe, a Congolese philosopher, novelist, poet, essayist, and academic, is widely regarded as one of the most significant African thinkers of his generation. His ideas and arguments, particularly in his influential works such as "The Invention of Africa," have had a profound impact across various disciplines and solidified his status as a key postcolonial thinker.

In "The Scent of the Father," Mudimbe delves into the intricate connections between Africa and the West, exploring the influence of Western thought and knowledge practices on African thought and knowledge. He argues that for Africa to break free from the Western influence, it must become aware of the remnants of Western thinking that enable it to challenge the West and be vigilant about the potential misuse of anti-Western sentiments by the West.

Mudimbe also emphasizes the need for Africa to articulate its integration into Western myths while simultaneously striving to readjust the African psyche in the aftermath of the violence it has experienced. This seminal work by a prominent African thinker holds significant value for those interested in the legacies of colonialism, the debates on decolonization and decoloniality in the social and human sciences.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509551392