ON THE ROLE OF EPISTEMIC SOVEREIGNTY IN CONSTRUCTING A POSITIVE CIVILIZATIONAL IDENTITY

Abstract

The article addresses the problem of constructing a positive civilizational identity in the context of the rejection of linear conceptions of history and the crisis of liberal universality. The author analyzes the heuristic potential of postcolonial theory, which has developed such concepts as subalternity, epistemic violence, epistemic disobedience and border thinking. These notions make it possible to highlight the particularity of Western knowledge and to propose strategies for its "provincialization" as well as for "de-linking" from imperial designs. However, the author concludes that the postcolonial lens faces serious criticism, as it is accused of cultural relativism, essentialism, and the lack of a positive program. While deconstructing hegemonic discourses, this theory does not offer clear guidelines for collective action. Ultimately, the necessity of moving beyond the postcolonial paradigm is emphasized in order to create an identity that responds not only to the question "against whom are we?", but also "what are we for?" and "who do we want to become?".