Course Overview
The exploration of African cosmology in relation to modern physics offers a unique lens for understanding the universe's fundamental principles. This course examines the intersections of African metaphysical frameworks, such as Bantu-Kongo cosmograms and Ifa divination, with quantum field theory, the Standard Model, and multidimensional space-time representations. By integrating cultural and scientific paradigms, the study aims to uncover shared symmetries and principles underlying reality, providing an innovative narrative that bridges traditional wisdom and contemporary physics. This synthesis reflects a growing interdisciplinary effort to decolonize science and embrace global perspectives.
What is The Standard Model of Particle Physics?
The Standard Model of particle physics is scientists’ current best theory to describe the most basic building blocks of the universe. It explains how particles called quarks (which make up protons and neutrons) and leptons (which include electrons) make up physical matter. It also explains how force carrying particles, which belong to a broader group of bosons , influence the quarks and leptons.
Similar to the way the Periodic Table of Elements describes atoms, categorizing them based on their characteristics, the Standard Model categorizes the elementary particles - fermions and bosons.
Who is this course for?
- Anyone interested in Physical Science and Physical Cosmology.
- Anyone interested in learning more about traditional African Indigenous Information Systems (IIS ).
- Anyone intending to use traditional African IIS to better interpret and understand our physical reality.
What topics will be covered?
- Cosmology and African Cosmology specifically
- Order and Symmetry in nature: Ma'at
- Standard Model: Particles, Forces and Generations of Matter
- How does African Cosmology help us understand the Standard Model?
This course is not intended to be a comprehensive study of particle physics. Rather it is intended to 1) familiarize the reader with the concepts and terms they will encounter during their study in the field and 2) provide the reader with an African ontological framework through which to view and organize those concepts and terms.
In this course we will study the Standard Model chart and compare it with several African information systems including:
1. The Cosmograms of the Bantu-Kongo
2. The IFA divination system of the Yoruba
3. The concept of the Egyptian Ogdoad
We will make note of similarities between African cosmology and the standard model of physics and use those similarities to better understand both systems.