Haitian Epistemology: Haitian/Vilokan Idealism

This work explores the origins, nature, and basis of Haitian epistemology, Haitian/Vilokan Idealism, the lens through which the Africans of Haiti consciously and unconsciously come to know, interpret, and make sense of the known and unknown world around them. The article posits that Haitian epistemology is a transcendental idealist and realist philosophy that developed out of the ever-increasing rationalization of the African worldview (Vodou) of the majority of the inhabitants of the island, and given the chance to institutionalize itself in the academy is on par or compatible with the scientific project of the West. Hence, Haitian epistemology is not a standpoint theory like Afrocentrism. Instead, it is a scientific paradigm, which evolved, liked, and compatible with, the scientific project of the West, as a result of the demystification, demythologization, and ever-increasing rationalization and institutionalization of the African (spiritual) worldview of Vodou/Vilokan which the Africans of Haiti were able to institutionalize through Vodou, proverbs, herbal medicine, dance, rituals, etc. In the end, the work names, defines, and develops the concept of a Haitian epistemology, Haitian Idealism (Vilokanism, Vilokan Idealism, Vodouism, Vodou Idealism), which ought to serve as the starting point of departure for any academic work dealing with Haiti, its Revolution, culture, and people.

Keywords: Haitian Epistemology, Haitian/Vilokan Idealism, Haiti, Afrocentrism, Vodou, Haitian Studies, the Vodou Ethic and the spirit of communism.