Critical discussion on the following interrelated questions (i) What is African philosophy? (ii) What value, if any, can it contribute to South African society?
Write an essay {maximum 1000 words} in which in light of your studies this
semester, provide a detailed answer to the following interrelated questions (which
must form the main sections of your essay). (i) What is African philosophy? (ii)
What value, if any, can it in your opinion contribute to South African society? [in
answering this question, you are encouraged to make recourse to etymology,
branches, history as well as figures and schools or movements within the history
of African philosophy [30 marks]
ANSWER:
African Philosophy
It should be borne in mind that the understanding of the concept philosophy will
eventually guide an understanding of African Philosophy. Philosophy from the Greek
language literally means, the love of wisdom. According to Imbo, philosophy begins with
the sense of wonder that pushes one to attempt to understand one’s life and place in
the universe.
Henry Odera Oruka is among the select number of African philosophers who played a
major role in the discourse regarding the existence and nature of African philosophy. As
genuine lovers of wisdom we must pay attention to and question every experience.
African Philosophy can be described as critical thinking by Africans on their experiences
of reality.
On the question of what it means to be African Prof. Mazrui distinguishes between three
types of Africans. His point of departure looks at the culture of the African people and
the person doing the philosophy, which are very important and indispensable elements.
When we speak of the culture of the African people, it means that African Philosophy
must speak to African problems and situations. Secondly, the person doing the
philosophy must either come from Africa, or an African living in the Diaspora or
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