TRENDS IN WISDOM RESEARCH: A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

  • Philip J. Nel Research Associate, Centre for Africa Studies, University of the Free State
Keywords: Wisdom Research, Proverbs, Hermeneutic models, Text Appropriation

Abstract

The article explores crucial differences and emphases between mainstream Western interpretations of Wisdom and important scholarly voices from the continent of Africa. The divergent trends are highlighted mainly in respect of the central theme of the volume, namely, human dignity and poverty. The perspective maintained in the article to avoid undue reductionism towards a singular methodological stance and to acknowledge positively ‘other’ spaces for interpretation is informed by the concept of model-dependent realism. In conclusion, a few considerations are tabled which could facilitate a space of dialogue and simultaneously value a sensitivity towards a post-colonial ‘African’1 scholarly voice. doi: 10.7833/111-1-28
Published
2013-06-13
Section
Articles