On modest witnesses and zero-points of observation: the uncomfortable intersections between science and coloniality

Liliana Vargas-Monroy
vargasmliliana@yahoo.com
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia
Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract:

This work aims to problematize the relationship between science and coloniality by following two traditions of contemporary critical thought. Having this goal in mind, some of the central debates in Feminist Studies of Science and postcolonial Latin-American theory are discussed, particularly the proposals that have been developed in the Modernity / Coloniality Program in Latin-America. Besides presenting a dialogue between these two frameworks of thought, some of the implications are discussed, opening directions for thinking further about contemporary forms of production of knowledge.

Keywords: Science/Coloniality, Feminist Studies of Science, Modernity/Coloniality Program, Modest Witness, Hubris of the zero point.