Syed Hussein Alatas and the School of Autonomous Knowledge compiles 15 essays from writers around the Southeast Asian region on the ideas of the late Syed Hussein Alatas, a renowned Malaysian social theorist and pioneering professor of Malay Studies. Enter the School of Autonomous Knowledge, a school of thought which began during Alatas’ professorial tenure at the National University of Singapore. Alatas noticed that the study of the history, society, and culture of the Nusantara (Malay-Indonesian world) was still limited by Eurocentric, nationalistic, sectarian, and nativist mindsets within the scholarly community itself. In response to these limitations, he called for a change in the way knowledge was created in the field of the social sciences, to encourage freedom of thought and awareness of such biases. A generation of young academics heeded Alatas’ call when it first came out. This legacy continues today in this collection of writings that reflect upon and expand his repertoire of knowledge, concerns and methodological approach. It is an essential volume for anyone interested in diagnostic sociological approach, concern for the development of society, and driven by the autonomy of the mind and spirit. The essays cover topics such as the critique of colonial knowledge, intellectual dependency, coloniality, ideology and utopia, discourse on Islamisation of Science among Malays, traditionalism, feudalism, corruption in higher education, progressive Islam, socialism in Muslim societies, the need for intellectuals, critique of library science, and reflections from other sociologists. The collection provides insights into the development of autonomous knowledge and the enduring influence of Syed Hussein Alatas' ideas.
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Insights into Southeast Asian intellectual independence and critique.
Who is this book for?
If you're interested in social sciences and Southeast Asian thought, this book offers a compelling look into how Alatas challenged colonial and nationalist biases. It's a thought-provoking collection that invites you to consider the development of autonomous knowledge in the region, blending theory and critique beautifully. Readers who enjoy deep dives into intellectual history will find this a stimulating and inspiring read.
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