Anthony Chinaemerem Ajah

This project examines conceptual innovations as manifestations of epistemic creativity in epistemic orientations in African studies. The goal is to show the role epistemic authority and orientation play in the conception and justification of paradigms of interpretation of lived experiences in Africa. To achieve this goal, I will analyze the ways conceptual innovations manifest orientations to knowledge in traditional African societies. Further, I compare conceptual innovations and creativity in traditional African knowledge orientation and modern scientific orientation predominantly deployed in African studies. I will use a unique synthesis of the philosophical method of textual analysis and evaluation of the plausibility of arguments, and the qualitative method of data gathering and analysis. The proposed fellowship will last for 12 months.