Transpersonal Psychology: The Role of the Afrocentric Paradigm
Journal of Black Psychology August 1, 1985 DOI: 10.1177/009579848501200103 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe literature of transpersonal psychology has largely ignored traditional African culture and world view, a common omission in philosophical and psychological work. This neglect stems from the historical misunderstanding of African culture due to the imposition of foreign world views in its analysis. The unity and integration of knowledge sought in a transpersonal paradigm already exists within the African world view, as identified in Afrocentric psychological theory.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Transpersonal psychology Epistemology World view Social psychology Sociology |
| Citations | 59 |
| Key finding | Argues that the African world view provides an existing framework for the unity and integration of knowledge sought in transpersonal psychology. |
Abstract
Conspicuously absent in the literature of transpersonal psy chology in its search for a paradigm is an exploration of traditional African culture and world view. Such a legacy of omission from philosophical and psychological endeavors is common. This is due to the fact that until recently African culture has been so badly misunderstood because of the imposition of alien world view in its analysis. The unity and integration of knowledge that we seek in a transpersonal paradigm has its framework already existent in the African world view and is identified in Afrocentric psychological theory.