A trans-modern quest for decolonization in the postcolonial philosophy

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the quest for decolonisation and trans-modernity from the perspective of Liberation Philosophy. It shows the contrast between the quest for emancipation and justice for all the people in the world, on the one hand, and the power of domination with exploitation, racism, violence and dehumanisation, on the other hand. It points to the diverse ways of thinking about liberation. It follows the liberation concepts that view freedom as both particular and general. This leads on to an analysis of emancipation in Africa, the uncovering of marginalised traditions of thought, and demands for real respect for plurality in today’s world. He points to the need to complete decolonisation and to question the concept of power relations that has prevented it so far. It also requires the introduction of new global interactions that could guarantee justice. Today, rational debate and communication are mediated and often blocked by capital. It is necessary to include the underside of modernity, and go beyond existing modernity projects to trans-modernity. Trans-modernity is a concept of modernity from the point of view of better alterity, i.e. the reinvention of a global world. The contemporary mainstream of political philosophy is not able to implement the real inclusion of the “other”. From the perspective of Liberation Philosophy, the goal is to appreciate the diverse sources of reason in various marginalised streams of thinking in the world, mainly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This should lead to a new cosmopolitan political mindset via pluriverse communication.