Conceptions of traditional cosmological ideas among literate and nonliterate Nigerians

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines the nature of selected traditional cosmological concepts among literate and nonliterate Nigerians. An analysis of the data reveals that the subjects, irrespective of their level of education, class, sex, age, religion, tribe, or locality, hold in varying degrees certain traditional as well as scientific concepts about the natural phenomena. An exposure of some of the subjects to an history/philosophy of science course appears to enhance their preference for a scientific worldview vis a vis a traditional point‐of‐view. The implications of these findings for traditional societies deserve a closer consideration.