Disciplinary Decadence

Lewis Gordon's Disciplinary Decadence critiques the stagnation within academic disciplines and advocates for renewed openness in intellectual pursuits.

In Disciplinary Decadence, philosopher and social critic Lewis Gordon delves into the concept of disciplinary ossification, which he refers to as disciplinary decadence. He argues that many academic fields have become rigid and stagnant, limiting the potential for innovative thinking and exploration. Gordon's work challenges scholars and intellectuals to reconsider the foundational ideas that gave rise to their disciplines, advocating for a more open and dynamic approach to knowledge.

Throughout the book, Gordon presents a theory he terms the teleological suspension of disciplinarity. This idea encourages individuals to focus on the broader purposes and ideas that originally inspired their fields, rather than adhering strictly to established norms and boundaries. By doing so, he believes that scholars can revitalize their disciplines and foster meaningful intellectual engagement.

Gordon's analysis spans various topics, including the philosophy of education, the challenges of secularization in religious thought, and the responsibilities of one generation to the next. He also examines notions of invention within the study of ideas, the implications of colonial epistemologies, and the pursuit of a truly postcolonial language. Ultimately, Disciplinary Decadence serves as a critique of the current political and academic landscape, where the act of thinking freely is often deemed indecent.