Work

Utrecht University; exploration, colonial knowledge: A ‘Civilizing Mission’. Interview with Henk van Rinsum

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: SIGNIFICANCE : This piece relays an interview with Henk van Rinsum (retired from Utrecht University). In the interview, the idea of the university as a detached space connected with the notion of the alleged objectivity of science is challenged by an “older white Dutchman attempting to offer insights on colonialism”. The interview explores the colonial historical development of a university in Western Europe as it finds its place within the entanglements of Christianity, capitalism, commerce, colonialism, and civilisation. The interview calls for a sensitive dialogue on issues of decolonisation. Are we prepared to address the ills of colonialism, given that we still seem to live under the influence of coloniality, including in higher education?

Source: South African Journal of Science

DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2025/20797

Authors: Jan Botha, Peter Vale, Henk van Rinsum

Institutions: Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Decolonial Thought and Epistemologies

Subfield: Anthropology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4408207015

FWCI:

Cites: 6

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Related to: 10