Introduction To African Philosophy
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...
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An invaluable introduction to this dynamic and growing area of study, Imbo's book synthesizes the ideas of key African philosophers into an accessible narrative. By making cross-disciplinary and transnational connections, Imbo stakes out an important place for African philosophy.
AcknowledgmentsIntroductionCh. 1How Is African Philosophy to Be Defined?3What Is Philosophy?3Ethnophilosophical Approaches8Universalist Definitions of African Philosophy17Hermeneutical Orientations27Various Classifications of African Philosophy34The Politics of Defining African Philosophy43Ch. 2Is Ethnophilosophy Really Philosophy?53Cheikh Anta Diop: An Afrocentric Historiography56John S. Mbiti: A Religious Ethnography60Ogotemmeli's Cosmology64The Critics of Ethnophilosophy68Ch. 3Is African Philosophy Unique?75Uniqueness as Negative: Placide Tempels Revisited77Uniqueness as Positive: Leopold Sedar Senghor81The Dangers of Uniqueness: Paulin Hountondji85Africa in the House of Philosophy: Kwame Anthony Appiah88Ch. 4What Should the Language(s) of African Philosophy Be?97Language as Collective Memory Bank99Written Language and Oral Language103In Defense of African Languages: Ngugi wa Thiong'o110In Defense of European Languages: Chinua Achebe116Ch. 5Are There Connections Among African, African American, and Feminist Philosophies?123Connections with African American Philosophy: A Tradition Born Out of Struggle126Connections with Feminism: Feminist Critiques of Western Philosophy133Conclusion143References147Index155About the Author158
\ Teachin PhilosophyThroughout the book, Imbo's choice of issues and exposition of pro and con positions is excellent. He writes clearly and without jargon. As a concise and readable introduction to African philosophy, I can think of no better text.\ — Albert Mosley, philosophy department, Ohio University, Athens\ \ \ \ \ International Philosophical QuarterlyAs an introductory text to African philosopy, Imbo's book is commendable for two reasons. First, it has great simplicity, clarity, and elegance. Second, it panoramically explores, analyzes, and synthesizes several key issues within African philosophy. . . . Imbo's volume will be an indispensible companion for those studying African philosophy and a necessary addition for any library monitoring the subject.\ — F. Ochieng-Odhiambo, University of Nairobi\ \ \ Theology In ContextAn introduction, but a rich one in that it gives the reader a good insight into the many problems and different aspects which touch on African Philosophy.\ — HH\ \ \ \ \ International Journal Of African Historical StudiesA provocative and well-written book. This book is highly reccomened.\ \ \ \ \ African PhilosophyImbo's book does an excellent job of linking questions that have had their origins in the study of African philosophy to questions about the nature of philosophy in general. Imbo's book takes up an impressive array of questions, introduces readers to debates about nature of the philosophy generally, and deals openly and refreshingly with the political implications of the topics it takes up. \ Imbo's book is to be admired for its innovative treatment of the commonalities between African and feminist philosophy. His book itself is a political statement: it is calling for a place for African philosophy in the profession and the teaching of philosophy. And it recognizes that in demanding a place for African philosophy, we are ultimately asking "philosophy" to open doors not only to us but to the many philosophies and points of view it has previously excluded.\ \ \ \ \ Philosophy East and WestThe book includes useful study questions at the end of each chapter, and should make a fine text for a variety of courses.\ \ \ \ \ Modern African StudiesA particularly welcome addition. It sets out to constitute an undergraduate introduction, and is accordingly equipped with Study Questions, which will inevitably prompt students to further thought and reading.\ \
