Unisa online - Africa speaks on theory, ideology and totalitarianism

Dr Gordon Ade-Ojo (University of Greenwich, London) and Prof Rosemary Moeketsi (Executive Dean: CHS) at the Africa Speaks lecture series

Africa Speaks addressing the transformative needs of a developmental African state

The line between theory and ideology is impeccably thin. Reflecting on this through the Africa Speaks lecture series, the College of Human Sciences (CHS) hosted visiting scholar, Dr Gordon Ade-Ojo, of the University of Greenwich, London on 9 May 2012.

His presentation on “Theory, Ideology and the Danger of Totalitarianism: Implications for Knowledge Enquiry and Policy Making” addressed a very relevant system of ideas.

Questioning what it is exactly that academics do, what the concerns are and what drives the things they do, Dr Ade-Ojo said that finding answers to these questions becomes even more personal to him in the context of contemporary global issues. “I find that we as academics are precariously perched. That perch is created through our constant engagement with theory,” he said.

With the element of power continuing to come up when one talks of totalitarianism, Dr Ade-Ojo believes this is apparent as there is always somebody who thinks they are more powerful either because of where they are placed, what they do or due to their experiences. Linked to the struggle of power is the breakdown of rational discourse, and he sees the stifling of political interests as the stumbling block.

Dr Ade-Ojo advocated discussion and engagement as a step forward. He said:  “If we as academics don’t take a look at how we transition from engaging with theory to becoming ideologists, this is where we become in danger of sliding. Everyone else’s ideas, theories and arguments must confront the work we consider correct. Yes, theory is the lifeblood of what we do, and we must inevitably interact with it.  Within the framework of this interaction we must remember it is only a tool for us to use.”

Dr Gordon Ade-Ojo has worked in teaching and training for the past 25 years. His research/scholarly interests include the crossover between sociolinguistic and literacy acquisition and philosophical value in Skills for Life (SfL) curriculum development.

Africa Speaks
This CHS lecture series aims to nurture, develop and sustain a vibrant community of researchers and intellectuals in the college, connected to the African continent and Diaspora. By doing so, there are continued efforts to be innovative in the quest for truth and knowledge, whilst addressing the transformative needs of a developmental African state.