ABSTRACT

A cursory glance at the different developments in the different epochs in the history of philosophy reveals the continuous resurfacing of the problem of superiority in the scientific community of knowledge. In Plato we see an exaltation of the discipline of philosophy and philosophers far above others. In Aristotle, we further encounter an exaltation of metaphysics far and above other fields of human inquiry. During the Medieval period, philosophy becomes a handmaid of theology- a mere tool for communicating theological truths. During the era of Karl Marx and the Logical Positivists, pure science is exalted far above metaphysics and religion. During the 1960s, when discussions began on Nigeria’s national development, privileged place was given to science and technology, while the arts was referred to as ‘watery arts’. In the face of this superiority in the scientific community of knowledge, the question that arises is, how should it be handled? Is there any field of human inquiry that is more superior to the other? In responding to the questions raised by this piece, the Indigenous wholistic theory has been employed, which advances IGWEBUIKE, an African complementary philosophy which understands every field of human inquiry as contributing a piece, and not the complete whole of the truth.