The chapter "Gnosis, Philosophy, and the Order of Knowledge" by V.Y. Mudimbe explores the concept of African gnosis, a term used to describe the knowledge systems and discourses that have shaped the understanding of Africa. Mudimbe argues that these gnoses, which include traditional systems of thought and Western interpretations, are deeply entangled with historical and epistemological contexts. He critiques the Western-centric approach to African studies, which often relies on categories and conceptual systems rooted in Western epistemology. Mudimbe emphasizes the need to understand the conditions of possibility for these gnoses, including the role of anthropologists, missionaries, and ideologists in shaping African knowledge. He also discusses the impact of colonialism on African societies, highlighting how it led to marginalization and the creation of a colonizing structure that transformed physical spaces, minds, and economic histories. The chapter further examines the classification of African objects and peoples, using examples from art and anthropology to illustrate how Western discourses have constructed African identities and cultures. Mudimbe concludes by advocating for a more critical and nuanced approach to understanding African gnoses and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in Africa.The chapter "Gnosis, Philosophy, and the Order of Knowledge" by V.Y. Mudimbe explores the concept of African gnosis, a term used to describe the knowledge systems and discourses that have shaped the understanding of Africa. Mudimbe argues that these gnoses, which include traditional systems of thought and Western interpretations, are deeply entangled with historical and epistemological contexts. He critiques the Western-centric approach to African studies, which often relies on categories and conceptual systems rooted in Western epistemology. Mudimbe emphasizes the need to understand the conditions of possibility for these gnoses, including the role of anthropologists, missionaries, and ideologists in shaping African knowledge. He also discusses the impact of colonialism on African societies, highlighting how it led to marginalization and the creation of a colonizing structure that transformed physical spaces, minds, and economic histories. The chapter further examines the classification of African objects and peoples, using examples from art and anthropology to illustrate how Western discourses have constructed African identities and cultures. Mudimbe concludes by advocating for a more critical and nuanced approach to understanding African gnoses and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in Africa.