Book Review - Epistemologies of the South: Justice Against Epistemicide by Boaventura De Sousa Santos

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