Epistemologies of the south: Justice against epistemicide

by Boaventura de Sousa Santos
Epistemologies of the south: Justice against epistemicide cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Philosophy
Technical
  • ID: 2457
  • Added: 2025-10-14
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781317260349
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published: 2015-11-17
  • Reviews: 4

Epistemologies of the South delves into the concept of 'cognitive injustice,' highlighting the marginalization of non-Western knowledge systems. Boaventura de Sousa Santos argues that true global social justice can only be achieved through recognizing and valuing the diverse ways of knowing that exist worldwide. The book advocates for a bottom-up cosmopolitanism that prioritizes conviviality and solidarity over market-driven individualism. This thought-provoking work challenges the hegemony of Western epistemologies and calls for a more inclusive approach to knowledge and wisdom. Santos' insights offer a compelling vision for a more just and equitable world, where all forms of knowledge are respected and celebrated.

Reviews
papers.ssrn.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
insightful 4.00

The book challenges Eurocentric epistemologies and advocates for a pluralistic approach to knowledge, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge. It is praised for its critical perspective and contribution to social justice.

Boaventura de Sousa Santos' 'Epistemologies of the South' is a compelling critique of Eurocentric epistemologies, advocating for a more inclusive and pluralistic approach to knowledge. The book highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge, particularly those from the Global South, which have often been marginalized or erased. This perspective is crucial for addressing issues of social justice and epistemicide, where dominant knowledge systems suppress alternative ways of knowing. The reviewer appreciates the book's critical stance and its potential to inspire new ways of thinking about knowledge and justice. However, they also note that the book's dense theoretical language might be challenging for some readers. Overall, it is seen as a significant contribution to the field of sociology and social justice.

Quick quotes

    The book challenges Eurocentric epistemologies and advocates for a pluralistic approach to knowledge.

    It highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge.

    The book's dense theoretical language might be challenging for some readers.

researchgate.net · Unknown · 2025-08-06
insightful 4.50

The book challenges the dominance of Northern and Western knowledge systems, advocating for an ecology of knowledge that includes First Nations ways of knowing. It critiques the epistemicide perpetuated by universities and calls for cognitive and epistemic justice.

The book 'Epistemologies of the South: Justice Against Epistemicide' by Boaventura de Sousa Santos is a powerful critique of the dominance of Northern and Western knowledge systems. It argues that these systems perpetuate epistemicide, the systematic destruction of First Nations epistemologies, knowledge, and pedagogies. The book calls for a decolonization of knowledge systems and advocates for an ecology of knowledge where all knowledge systems, including those of First Nations, have equal standing. This approach challenges the current unequal knowledge hierarchies that assert power by defining what credible and valid knowledge is. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the growing global chorus calling for cognitive justice and epistemic justice.

Quick quotes

    The Global North and what is known as Western knowledge perpetuates colonisation by determining what are acceptable ways to construct theory and knowledge which are portrayed as universal but which exclude Southern theory and First Nations ways of knowing.

    Universities perpetuate epistemicide being the systematic destruction of First Nations epistemologies, knowledge and pedagogies.

    There is a growing global chorus of scholars calling for decolonisation of knowledge systems and the need for knowledge democracy, cognitive justice and epistemic justice.

journals.sagepub.com · Unknown · 2015-03-16
insightful 4.50

The book offers a rich theoretical framework for understanding and addressing global injustice through a decolonial approach, emphasizing the importance of amplifying marginalized knowledges to achieve a more equitable society. It calls for a critical engagement with alternative ways of knowing to transform hegemonic structures and prevent the loss of valuable knowledge.

Boaventura de Sousa Santos' book presents a compelling theoretical foundation for tackling global injustice by advocating for a postcolonial or decolonial perspective. The work highlights the need to recognize and value knowledges from marginalized communities, which have often been undervalued or threatened by hegemonic systems. By promoting a pluralistic legal approach, the book outlines a path towards a more just society where diverse knowledges are respected and integrated. This transformative approach aims to rebalance power dynamics and ensure that all voices contribute to a collective pursuit of a good life or buen vivir. The book's call to action is both timely and necessary, urging readers to critically engage with and amplify alternative ways of knowing to prevent the dilution and loss of valuable knowledge.

Quick quotes

    Santos’ richly theoretical contribution and call to action through a postcolonial or decolonial approach and legal pluralistic bend are unmistakable and outline a journey of how, and why, to critically engage and amplify alternate ways of knowing and knowledges sourced from the “un” and “under” valued side of an abyssal line

    a rebalancing that transforms hegemonic tools through counterhegemonic uses and salvages knowledges threatened by dilution, loss, and disappearance.

    As injustice and discrimination persist across the globe and the socioeconomic gaps of access and privilege continue to widen the binary divide

    or what Boaventura de Sousa Santos describes as an abyssal line

    between the valued/un(under)valued, recognized/un(under)recognized, the visible/invisible, and the groups and individuals that occupy these sides of the line, Santos outlines the epistemological basis for a decolonial ascendance beyond the line in order to achieve a good life or buen vivir for all.

Journal of World-Systems Research · JH Bortoluci · 2015-01-01
positive 4.00

The reviewer finds the book to be a significant contribution to the field, particularly in its postcolonial and decolonial approach. They appreciate the rich theoretical framework and call to action.

This reviewer praises the book for its rich theoretical contribution and its call to action through a postcolonial or decolonial approach. They highlight the legal pluralistic bend and the innovative ideas presented. The reviewer believes that the book sets a strong foundation for further exploration in the field. They see it as a valuable addition to the literature, particularly for those interested in epistemological and legal studies.

Quick quotes

    Santos' richly theoretical contribution and call to action through a postcolonial or decolonial approach and legal pluralistic bend are...

    The book does an effective job of building on a strong foundation.

    Creating a sense of...

Appears in Lists