Humanism

[Edited for formating and promoted by mole333]

Skepticism in Africa

Leo Igwe

The word skepticism comes from the Greek word ‘skepticos’ which means inquiry. Skeptics are inquirers. And the skeptical outlook is governed by reason, science, curiosity and critical thinking. It is opposed to dogmatism, irrationalism, blind faith, gullibility and superstition. The skeptical temper has inspired distinct trends in human thought, history and philosophy- the renaissance, reformation and Enlightenment.

In countries across the world, the state of skepticism is not the same. Some countries are more skeptical than others.

Last year, I visited three West African countries - Senegal, the Gambia and Sierra Leone to meet with scientists and skeptics and to ascertain the state of skepticism.

In Senegal, the traditional life is still mired in myths, superstition and taboos.

In some communities, people do not go to market on Wednesdays or cut their hairs on Saturdays. They believe that such actions would lead to death and misfortune- these beliefs have gone unchallenged for centuries.

In the Gambia I met with teachers and leaders of the science club at the University of the Gambia. We discussed the prevalence of superstition in the country and how we can tackle it. The students told me how seers and marabus exploit poor ignorant folks by manipulating commonsensical knowledge and data. One of the most common superstitious beliefs in the Gambia is witchcraft. That is the belief that people can harm others through spiritual, occultic and supernatural means. Witches are said to cause diseases, accidents and death. The students said they were brought up to fear owls.