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The Spirits in the Machine


Author(s) : Yamikani Ndasauka
African Mind, Culture, and Technology

Abstract


This chapter explores the relation between African spirituality and technological innovation in the early twenty-first century. It examines how traditional African beliefs, practices, and values are shaping responses to the promises and perils of emerging technologies, from the Internet and smartphones to artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The chapter investigates the tensions and conflicts between African spiritual worldviews and the globalising forces of digital capitalism, consumerism, and extractive development. It also highlights inspiring examples of African innovators who are bridging ancient wisdom and cutting-edge solutions to create culturally resonant and socially responsible technologies. The chapter argues that by grounding innovation in the deep wells of indigenous knowledge while embracing the liberating potential of new tools and ideas, Africans can chart a uniquely African path of development that honours the past while shaping a more abundant and meaningful future. The chapter suggests that, while African spiritual traditions may pose a threat to technology adoption and use, they also offer vital resources for re-imagining the relationship between technology, nature, and humanity in the age of the Anthropocene.


Original language en
Pages (from-to) 151-167
Publication status Published - 2024

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10.1007/978-3-031-62979-2_8

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https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/text-and-data-mining
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Access document

10.1007/978-3-031-62979-2_8

License

https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/text-and-data-mining