African Philosophy as Cultural Inquiry

African Philosophy as Cultural Inquiry PDF

Author: Ivan Karp

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Published: 2000-11-22

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 9780253214171

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This book assesses the direction and impact of African philosophy as well as its future role. What is the intellectual, social, cultural, and political territory of African philosophy? What directions will African philosophy take in the future? What problems will it face? In 10 probing essays by distinguished African, European, and American scholars, African Philosophy as Cultural Inquiry examines the role of African philosophy at the opening of the new millennium. Here philosophy cuts across disciplinary boundaries to embrace ideas taken from history, literary studies, anthropology, and art. Addressing topics such as the progress of philosophical discourse, knowledge and modes of thought, the relevance of philosophy for cultures that are still largely based on traditional values, and the meaning of philosophy to cultures and individuals in the process of modernization, this volume presents today's best thinking about the concerns and practices that constitute African experience. New views about personhood, freedom, responsibility, progress, development, the role of the state, and life in civil society emerge from these broad-based considerations of the crisis of the postcolonial African state. In a lively fashion this diverse book shows how philosophical questions can be applied to interpretations of culture and reveals the multifaceted nature of philosophical discourse in the multiple and variable settings that exist in contemporary Africa.

African Philosophy and Thought Systems

African Philosophy and Thought Systems PDF

Author: Mawere, Munyaradzi

Publisher: Langaa RPCIG

Published: 2016-01-21

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9956763012

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The once acrimonious debate on the existence of African philosophy has come of age, yet the need to cultivate a culture of belonging is more demanding now than ever before in many African societies. The gargantuan indelible energised chicanery waves of neo-colonialism and globalisation and their sweeping effect on Africa demand more concerted action and solutions than cul-de-sac discourses and magical realism. It is in view of this realisation that this book was born. This is a vital text for understanding contextual historical trends in the development of African philosophic ideas on the continent and how Africans could possibly navigate the turbulent catadromous waters, tangled webs and chasms of destruction, and chagrin of struggles that have engrossed Africa since the dawn of slavery and colonial projects on the continent. The book aims to generate more insights and influence national, continental, and global debates in the field of philosophy. It is accessible and handy to a wider range of readers, ranging from educators and students of African philosophy, anthropology, African studies, cultural studies, and all those concerned with the further development of African philosophy and thought systems on the African continent.

Identity and Change

Identity and Change PDF

Author: Theophilus Okere

Publisher: CRVP

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9781565180710

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Continuity in a changing African culture; the phenomenon of the city in Africa; anthropology of name and self; values in flux and the moral dimension.

Meaning and Truth in African Philosophy

Meaning and Truth in African Philosophy PDF

Author: Grivas Muchineripi Kayange

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-11-23

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 3030019624

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This book offers a new way of doing African philosophy by building on an analysis of the way people talk. The author bases his investigation on the belief that traditional African philosophy is hidden in expressions used in ordinary language. As a result, he argues that people are engaging in a philosophical activity when they use expressions such as taboos, proverbs, idioms, riddles, and metaphors. The analysis investigates proverbs using the ordinary language approach and Speech Act theory. Next, the author looks at taboos using counterfactual logic, which studies the meaning of taboo expressions by departing from a consideration of their structure and use. He argues that the study of these figurative expressions using the counterfactual framework offers a particular understanding of African philosophy and belief systems. The study also investigates issues of meaning and rationality departing from a study on riddles, explores conceptual metaphors used in conceptualizing the notion of politics in modern African political thought, and examines language and marginalization of women and people with disabilities. The book differs from other works in African philosophy in the sense that it does not claim that Africans have a philosophy as is commonly done in most studies. Rather, it reflects and unfolds philosophical elements in ordinary language use. The book also builds African Conception of beauty and truth through the study of language.

An Introduction to African Philosophy

An Introduction to African Philosophy PDF

Author: Sam O. Imbo

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Published: 1998-03-26

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1461636507

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Organized topically rather than historically, this book provides an excellent introduction to the subject of African Philosophy. Samuel Oluoch Imbo synthesizes the ideas of key African philosophers into an accessible narrative. The author focuses on five central questions: What are the definitions of African philosophy? Is ethno-philosophy really philosophy? What are the dangers of an African philosophy that claims to be 'unique'? Can African philosophy be done in foreign languages such as English and French? Are there useful ways to make connections between African philosophy, African American philosophy, and women's studies? By making cross-disciplinary and transnational connections, Imbo stakes out an important place for African philosophy. Imbo's book is an invaluable introduction to this dynamic and growing area of study.

Self and Community in a Changing World

Self and Community in a Changing World PDF

Author: D. A. Masolo

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Published: 2010-07-16

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 0253004527

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Revisiting African philosophy's classic questions, D. A. Masolo advances understandings of what it means to be human -- whether of African or other origin. Masolo reframes indigenous knowledge as diversity: How are we to understand the place and structure of consciousness? How does the everyday color the world we know? Where are the boundaries between self and other, universal and particular, and individual and community? From here, he takes a dramatic turn toward Africa's current political situation and considers why individual rights and freedoms have not been recognized, respected, demanded, or enforced. Masolo offers solutions for containing socially destructive conduct and antisocial tendencies by engaging community. His unique thinking about community and the role of the individual extends African philosophy in new, global directions.

A Study in African Socio-Political Philosophy

A Study in African Socio-Political Philosophy PDF

Author: Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2018-08-31

Total Pages: 147

ISBN-13: 154629743X

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The present work on African philosophy brings in new freshness into the African philosophical enterprise as it introduces not just thoughts that could be categorized as African philosophy but also thoughts that were borne from the reflections of individual African philosophers. It covers a period that could be referred to as modern African philosophy. It includes philosophical activities in Africa between the fifteenth century and early part of the twentieth century.

African Philosophy and the Hermeneutics of Culture

African Philosophy and the Hermeneutics of Culture PDF

Author: Theophilus Okere

Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 9783825882174

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The Series: Studies in African Philosophy is a forum for the publication and wider dissemination of researches and reflections of value on all aspects of African philosophy. While recognising the special advantage of interdisciplinary approach in modern scholarship, it retains a special predilection for works that have special African philosophic import. Although Theophilus Okere's book African Philosophy has made remarkable impact on African philosophical scholarship, many may not be aware of the way he tried to apply his preferred method to other areas of the philosophical investigation in Africa and to overcome the risk of relativism through the promotion of intercultural dialogue in philosophy. The essays published in this volume bear testimony to the multivalent character of Okere's contribution to African philosophy. Most of the essays are about Okere's hermeneutics of culture. Some of the authors examine the method in itself, while others focus attention on its application to specific philosophical themes. Book jacket.

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