Modern human civilization is a complex entity that has been developing for centuries. A significant portion of the course discussed the motivations behind colonialism and its consequences for local territories. In this context, it is particularly interesting to explore how Arab science was influenced by colonialism and how this impact is manifested in people’s perceptions of Eastern contributions to the scientific community. The interviews revealed that there are people who are unaware of the role Arabs played in the development of science, while others believe that their contributions are marginalized today. This disparity can be compared to other types of segregation, for example, racism.
It is unreasonable to suggest that all scientific inventions were made by individuals from the West. However, such statements are often made, and perceptions exist among the population. Hobson (2004) states that such unfair statements have been made by Eurocentric discourse. Believing in their superiority to other cultures and nations, the Western countries often made controversial claims (Hobson, 2004). This attitude has had a significant impact on marginalized and colonized territories. Sawant (2012) claims that colonization can occur at various levels, including physical and cultural. Belittling the achievements of other nations to emphasize superiority is a form of cultural colonization.
Four themes can be derived from the results of the interviews – the role of imperialism, post-colonial influence, racism, and unfairness. While interviewees did not provide any specific definitions of these terms, it could be inferred that they are confident that racism is an example of how previous imperialistic views are manifested today. The fact that African American children have lower academic performance is a result of age-long slavery. Similarly, Arab contribution to science is neglected as a result of the perceived supremacy of the West. Such perceptions are a direct result of centuries of colonialism and cultural exploitation.
In some contexts, colonialism and imperialism are used interchangeably, despite their significant difference from each other. Colonialism is a result of the presence of imperialistic views. There are several ways of extension, including cultural imperialism and territorial expansion. Interviewees believe that the negligence of Arab contribution to science is a result of imperialist self-perception, which is not based on reality. The West is often shown as civilized and superior, whereas the rest of the world is in desperate need of help (Hobson, 2004). Under such constraints, it is not possible to perceive other nations as being capable of making inventions of scientific importance.
After decolonization, the victim nation has to undergo years of struggle because colonialism has a significant impact even if it ceases to exist. In terms of psychological influence, the local population may develop a perception that they suit the representations promoted by imperialists. This belief, based on false premises, may act as an impediment to growth and development. Some interviewees suggest that such influence is the reason why the scientific community has not had great Arab minds for a long time. The contemporary Arab world is not viewed as an integral part of the scientific project.
When speaking of racism, one must think of institutional segregation. A significant portion of publishers and data collection agencies are under the control of the West. This fact could be another reason why the Arab contribution to science has been overlooked. Some people are entirely unaware of the Golden Age of Islam and the fact that Europeans often sought knowledge from Arab scientists. Unfortunately, institutional racism exists even today, and all non-white communities are being marginalized. Interviewees feel that African American contribution to the building of the United States is neglected the same way as the West ignores non-white contributions to science.
The final theme that can be inferred from the interviews is the concept of fairness. It is unfair that white supremacy has become an established representation of reality, even though this image is based on a fallacy. There are no objective reasons why some races should be superior to others and why some nations should have control over the rest. Colonialism is unfair only because the ideas behind it are not objective and are far from reality. Hobson (2002) agrees that the West is known for numerous unfair statements, besides discriminatory actions.
There was a variety of opinions in interviews, which suggests that the topic is complex and cannot be discussed from a single viewpoint. The current state of Arab science and neglect of its previous achievements are a result of several interrelated components. They include imperialism, colonialism, institutional segregation, and the lack of fairness. Some individuals haven’t know that the majority of scientific disciplines developed significantly during the Golden Age of Islam. Others may perceive non-white nations as being incapable of making meaningful inventions. These interviews helped recognize how individuals perceive Arab contribution to science and how this perception can be changed.
Interview Questions
- John Freely, in his book Light from the east, discusses the contributions made by the Arab civilization to science and the development of the Western World. Do you know any particular example of how Arabs contributed to science?
- If Freely’s statements are correct, then why do you think the Muslim world is no longer part of the scientific project?
- Can you suggest specific steps the Arab world can take to revive its significance in the scientific community?
- Do you believe that marginalization plays a role in why all scientific efforts are perceived to be the result of Western thought?
- By which means is this marginalization implemented, and who is behind it?
- What could be the root motivations behind this unfairness or disparity?
- The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will send an autonomous rover to the Moon. Do you think this event can catalyze Arab science?
- What can researchers do for people to be aware of the origins of particular inventions that were made by non-Western individuals?
References
Hobson, J. M. (2004). The Eastern origins of Western civilisation. Cambridge University Press.
Sawant, S. B. (2012). Postcolonial theory: Meaning and significance [PDF document]. Web.