The production of knowledge in the global academic field is still highly unevenly distributed. Western knowledge, which originated in Western Europe and was deepened in the transatlantic exchange with North America, is still considered an often unquestioned reference in many academic disciplines. Thus, this specific, regional form of knowledge production has become universalized. In terms of power politics, this dominance of Western knowledge is also problematic insofar as its dissemination has been closely linked to colonial and imperial projects.  This Western-centric bias in knowledge production has not gone unchallenged on the part of the various non-Western systems of knowledge production. Alternative approaches and interpretations have been opposed, but equally, there have been productive appropriations and hybridizations or mesticizations of knowledge. Some of these had the character of détournements, in which appropriated Western knowledge was used to criticize Western hegemony.

However, the question of the predominance of Western knowledge is not purely historical or sociological. The social decision about which knowledge is considered relevant also determines which knowledge carriers and experts are endowed with symbolic power. Given the current multiple crises, it seems increasingly accepted that the production of knowledge must draw on diverse knowledge traditions and systems in order to be able to produce something new. An ecology of knowledge is to be promoted, which also means that a variety of knowledge producers, from diverse epistemological communities, should be included in a knowledge exchange.

The seminar will be attended by representatives of the five Maria Sibylla Merian Centers, which have been established by initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research in India, Mexico, Brazil, Ghana and Tunisia. The Merian Centers  aim to become hubs for scientific cooperation with the aim of unleashing new research questions, approaches and methods. In addition, prominent members of the CALAS Scientific Council will participate in the dialogues.

Participation is free of charge. Due to capacity restrictions, we urge binding registration until Sunday, April 3.

Registration