"Consider the African philosophy of ‘ubuntu’ — a concept in which your sense of self is shaped by your relationships with other people. It’s a way of living that begins with the premise that “I am” only because “we are.” The Kenyan literary scholar James Ogude believes ubuntu might serve as a counterweight to the rampant individualism that’s so pervasive in the contemporary world." From https://www.ttbook.org/interview/i-am-because-we-are-african-philosophy-ubuntu
In this episode, philosopher Andrea Hiott and Jonathan Bill Doe, a PhD candidate from the Brandenburgische Technische Universität, explore Jonathan's research on the Keta Lagoon and urban gardening in Ghana.
Initially focusing on Jonathan's intriguing master's project, 'Keta Lagoon: Uncovering Suppressed Heritage Practices for Sustainable Wetland Management,' they delve into the complexities of heritage, sustainability, and cultural practices. Jonathan shares insights from his extensive academic journey, his practical experiences as a tour guide, and his observations on Ghana's urban and heritage landscapes.
They discuss the nuances of colonial history, local knowledge holders, and sustainable practices like the 'Atsidza' fishing method. Moving forward, Jonathan talks about his PhD project involving urban gardening and sociotechnical imaginaries in postcolonial Ghana, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional practices into modern sustainability efforts. This enlightening conversation reveals how historical, cultural, and environmental factors intertwine, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive and thoughtful heritage management.
#sustainable #heritage #unescoheritagesite
00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Bill Doe
00:54 Jonathan's Academic Journey
02:20 Tour Guiding and Heritage Interest
05:18 Philosophical and Historical Insights
06:27 Keta Lagoon and Suppressed Heritage
21:47 Colonial Impact and Local Knowledge
38:30 Christianity and Colonial Influence
38:55 Decolonial Philosophy and Lagoon Management
39:42 Beyond Dichotomies: Historical and Modern Practices
41:34 Relationality in African Philosophy
43:05 Sustainability and Economic Assumptions
47:11 Fishing Practices in the Lagoon
58:42 Ownership and Commons in Lagoon Fishing
01:01:49 Urban Gardening and Post-Colonial Ghana
01:12:33 Gardening as Heritage and Local Beliefs
01:14:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions
Read Jonathan's Paper: https://bluepapers.nl/index.php/bp/ar...
More about Jonathan and his work: https://www.b-tu.de/en/fg-technikwiss...
The other paper we discuss: https://asq.africa.ufl.edu/wp-content...
Go deeper with Community Philosophy:
I Am Because We Are