Book Review - Epistemologies of the South: Justice Against Epistemicide by Boaventura De Sousa Santos
6 Pages Posted: 30 Mar 2016 Last revised: 25 Jul 2017
Date Written: March 28, 2015
Abstract
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. 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.
Keywords: Santos, Book review
JEL Classification: K11. K33, K20
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation