An Introduction to African Philosophy

An Introduction to African Philosophy

by Sam O. Imbo
An Introduction to African Philosophy

An Introduction to African Philosophy

by Sam O. Imbo

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Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781461636502
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date: 03/26/1998
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 176
File size: 761 KB

About the Author

Samuel Oluoch Imbo is assistant professor of philosophy at Hamline University in Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgmentsix
Introductionxi
Part 1Definitions of African Philosophy
Chapter 1How Is African Philosophy to Be Defined?3
What Is Philosophy?3
Ethnophilosophical Approaches8
Universalist Definitions of African Philosophy17
Hermeneutical Orientations27
Various Classifications of African Philosophy34
The Politics of Defining African Philosophy43
Conclusion46
Study Questions47
Notes47
Part 2Ethnophilosophy and Its Critics
Chapter 2Is Ethnophilosophy Really Philosophy?53
Cheikh Anta Diop: An Afrocentric Historiography56
John S. Mbiti: A Religious Ethnography60
Ogotemmeli's Cosmology64
The Critics of Ethnophilosophy68
Conclusion72
Study Questions73
Notes73
Chapter 3Is African Philosophy Unique?75
Uniqueness as Negative: Placide Tempels Revisited77
Uniqueness as Positive: Leopold Sedar Senghor81
The Dangers of Uniqueness: Paulin Hountondji85
Africa in the House of Philosophy: Kwame Anthony Appiah88
Conclusion92
Study Questions93
Notes93
Part 3African Philosophy Making Connections
Chapter 4What Should the Language(s) of African Philosophy Be?97
Language as Collective Memory Bank99
Written Language and Oral Language103
In Defense of African Languages: Ngugi wa Thiong'o110
In Defense of European Languages: Chinua Achebe116
Conclusion120
Study Questions121
Notes121
Chapter 5Are There Connections Among African, African American, and Feminist Philosophies?123
Connections with African American Philosophy: A Tradition Born Out of Struggle126
Connections with Feminism: Feminist Critiques of Western Philosophy133
Conclusion139
Study Questions140
Notes140
Conclusion143
References147
Index155
About the Author158
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