This issue covers aspects of history, from the history of western economics to general world history as a narrative and its sub-texts
- Contra Skidelsky: Is Western Economics Color-blind?
There is a self serving view that higher academic studies are ‘above’ the fray of contemporary issue such as identity politics and racism. This is a patent case of ‘constructed silence’ as Adam Smith was deeply involved in all the racial and identity issues of his time. His texts are deeply involved but the students are referred to Books 1 and 2 of The Wealth of Nations and the books dealing with colonies and other races are omitted. This paper challenges Skidelsky’s self righteous presentation of the history of economics.
2. Why philosophy matters to African History.
This paper discusses the importance of philosophy to understanding the nature of historical discourse an the way that historical discourse in the West since Kant has followed a deeply racist eschatology. This is a sub-text that must be exposed. Peter Park has made a valiant first step but the implications for both African and world history have not been fully revealed. African history properly conceived plays major role in situation the West as only one among many regions. Western claims to uniqueness often rest on claiming credit for African achievements. This will of course reframe the condition of other continents such as Asia and Latin America. Take away the false narrative of Western uniqueness and history becomes more secular and Europe ceases to be a universal bench mark. We return to an understanding of rise and decline .. a topic newly rediscovered by American historians and intellectuals.