INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY

I. SCOPE, CONTENT AND EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOME
The course will examine the nature and range of reflections on basic aspects of human experience, thought and activity inspired by African groups, societies and their environments.  It explores the basic cosmological, psychological and sacred teachings, conveyed either through arts and architecture or through rituals.  It also gives a vision of the world; as such African philosophy is a tool of national construction and contributes ultimately to achieving human happiness.  This philosophy plays an important role in solving problems of everyday life as well as problems of other intellectual disciplines.  Knowledge of philosophy enhances our power.  It contributes precisely to the articulation of the intellectual heritage of humanity, as the envisioned "multiculturalism" is not yet built.

The objectives of the course are the following:

1) to introduce students to the globality of African experience;

2) to compare, contrast and parallel this experience with others such as the Chinese, Mayas and Europeans;

3) to promote students' openness to the world and thereby transcend their own cultural boundaries;

4) to explore the distant physical space and the future, which must not be limited by the ethnic or national parameters;

5) to inform students about the dynamics of cultural and philosophical syncretism, which will make them more conscious of the enriching aspects of human experience;

6) to think specifically of African cosmological representation and construction of the world;

7) to gauge the extent at which Africa is not and must not be isolated from the world.

8) In sum, the Introduction to AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY will enhance students' processes of intellectual enlightenment.
 

 II. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 Prerequisite: None.
Classes meet Monday and Wednesday for lectures and Friday for films. There will be two periods of lectures and one period of discussions or audio/visuals on Introduction to African Philosophy, per week. Discussions and audio/visuals are an integral part of the course. The lectures will emphasize important materials in the reading. But the objectives of the course are to be reached in large measure by extensive reading and by class discussion of the required reading. Active and meaningful participation, with contributions drawn from reference readings is strongly encouraged.

III. GRADING POLICY
 1) Two brief exams will cover the required reading, lecture and audio/visual materials (40 percent of grade).
 2) Students have to write three (3) seven-page book reviews, selected from books linked to one of the themes of the course (50 percent of grade).  The three (3) books must be selected from three first, second and third list of books to be reviewed, attached to the syllabus.  The three (3) books must be cleared with the instructor during the second week of the semester.
  Review #1 is due:  September 28, 2000 Review #2 is due:  October 26, 2000
  Review #3 is due:  November 21, 2000
 3) Class participation: 10 percent

IV. REQUIRED TEXT
 P.H. Coetzee and A.P.J. Roux (eds.), The African Philosophy Reader, London & New York: Routledge, 1998.

V. BOOKS FOR REVIEW
A composite of three readings from the separate attachment of the following lists:
 First Set of Books for Review
 Second Set of Books for Review
 Third Set of Books for Review:

VI. CLASS OUTLINE
Week 1-2 Reading: A.Y. Yansané, “Cultural, Political and Economic Universals in West Africa,” in M.K. & K.W. Asante (eds.), African Culture, 1990, pp. 39-68
Reference Readings:
  Rene Descartes, Discourse on Method.
  Immanuel Kant, Logic.
Films:  The Africans: A Triple Heritage
1. The Nature of a Continent
2. A Legacy of Lifestyle 1. Introduction Scientific Method
2. Introduction to Africa:
3. Definition of Concepts:
? Ethics, Morale, Logic, Metaphysics and Psychology
? Science and Scientific Method
? Sources of Human Knowledge
? Extent of Use of Knowledge
? Limits of Reason
? Cognition, Modality, Certainty, Truth, Opinion, Belief, Judgment, Prejudice
 
Week 3-4 Films:
3. New Gods
4. Tools of Exploitation What is Philosophy?
? Meaning of this Greek compound word
? Origin of Philosophy
? Philosophy as a discipline
? Importance of Philosophy

Week 5-6 Reading:
? D.N. Kaphagawani, “What is African Philosophy?” p. 86.
? H.O. Oruka, Sage Philosophy, p. 99.
? K. Wiredu, “The Moral Foun-dations of an African Culture,” p.306
? K. Gyekye, “Person & Community in African Thought,” p. 317
? S. Biko, “African Consciousness,” p.300
Films:
5. New Confllicts
6. In Search of Stability What is African Philosophy?
? Western Philosophy as studied and taught by Africans in Africa
? Cultural anthropology; ethnographic data; world view
? Approach to the History of African Philosophy from Antiguity to Contemporary Period
 

Week 7-8 Films:
7. A Garden of Eden in Decay
8. A Clash of Cultures African Philosophy of the Pharaonic Period
? Concepts: Nun, Maât, R?, etc.
? Philosophic & Scientific Themes: genesis, evil, death, mathematics, etc.
? Comparison with Modern African Cosmogony: Dogon, Mandingue-Bambara
? 2 films
Week 9-10 Reference Reading:
? D. Brokensha & M. Crowder (eds.), Africa in the Wider World, J. Newton Hill, “Art,” pp. 35-55; J.H. Kwabena Nketia, “Musicology,”
? D.T. Niane, Sundiata.
Films:
9. Global Africa
10. Genesis African Art/Philosophy:
? Art
? Literature
? Music
? 2 films
Week 11-12 Reference Reading:
? Kwame Nkrumah, Consciencism.
? Emmanuel Chukwudi Eze (ed.), Post Colonial African Philosophy: A Critical Reader.
Films:
11. Everyone’s Child
12. Guelvaar Philosophy & Decolonization:
? African Personality (Nkrumah)
? Negritude & African Socialism (Senghor)
? 2 films
Week 13-14 Films:
13.Trends in African Philosophies/ Development Context of Comparative Philosophy
Students Class Discussions

 
INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY

FIRST SET OF BOOKS FOR REVIEW
1. Mbiti, African Philosophy.
2. Danguah, The Akan Doctrine of God.
3. William Abraham, The Mind of Africa.
4. Theophile Obenga, African Philosophy.
5. Placide Tempels, Bantu Philosophy.
6. Emmanuel Obiechina, Culture, Tradition and Society in West Africa.
7. "Early Christianity in Africa," Tarikh, Vol. 2, No. 1.
8. "Christianity in Modern Africa," Tarikh, Vol. 3, No. 1.
9. "Akan History and Culture," Tarikh, Vol. 2, No. 1.
10. J. Spenser Trimingham, A History of Islam in West Africa.
11. K.L. Little, The Mende of Sierra Leone.
12. Theophile Obenga, The Bantus.
13. Leo Frobenius, African Civilization.
14. Kwame Nkrumah, Consciencism: Philosophy & Ideology for Decolonization.
15. Marcel Griaule, Conversations with Ogotemmeli.
15. M. Fortes & G. Dieterlen, African Systems of Thought.
16. Theophilus Okerue, African Philosophy.
17. B. Abanuka, A New Essay on African Philosophy, 1994.
18. Anton William Amo, The Art of Philosophising Soberly and Accurately, 1990.
19. G.E. Azenabor, Understanding the Problems of African Philosophy, 1998.
20. Ernest Beyaraza, Contemporary Relativism with Special Reference to Culture and Africa, 1994.
21. Maduabuchi Dukor, Theistic Humanism: Philosophy of Scientific Africanism, 1994.
22. Marie Pauline B. Eboh, Philosophic Essays: Critique of Social Praxis, 1996.
23. Segun Gbadegesin, African Philosophy: Traditional Yoruba Philosophy and Contemporary African Realities, 1991.
24. Lewis Gordon, Her Majesty’s Other Children: Sketches of Racism from a Neocolonial Age, 1997.
25. Joseph A. Ilori, Moral Philosophy in African Context: For Universities and Colleges of Education, 1994.
26. Samuel Oluoch Imbo, An Introduction to African Philosophy, 1998.
27. Chukwunyere Kamalu, Foundations of African Thought: A Worldview Grounded in the African Heritage of Religion, Philosophy, Science and Art, 1990.
28. James H. Breasted, Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1972 (1st ed., 1912, 1959).
29. Henri Frankfort, et al., Before Philosophy: The Intellectual Adventure of Ancient Man, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1946, 1949, 1951.
30. Miriam Lichtheim, Ancient Egyptian Literature, 3 Vols., Berkeley, Los Angeles & London: University of California Press, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1980.

SECOND SET OF BOOKS FOR REVIEW
31. Abanuka, B. (Bartholomew), A New Essay on African Philosophy, Nsukka, Nigeria: Spiritan Publications, 1994.
32. J. Obi Oguejifor (Ed.), Africa, Philosophy and Public Affairs: Proceedings of an International Conference Held at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, from April 29 to May 3 1997, Enugu, Nigeria: Delta Publications, 1998.
33. John P. Pittman (ed.), African-American Perspectives and Philosophical Traditions, New York: Routledge, 1997.
34. J. O. Ubru (ed.), African Beliefs and Philosophy, Warri, Nigeria: International Publishers, [198-?].
35. Mary Jo Arnoldi, Christraud M. Geary & Kris L. Hardin, African Material Culture, Bloomington: Indiana University Press, c1996; [Series title:  African Systems of Thought.]
36. Parker English & Kibujjo Kalumba (eds.), African Philosophy: A Classical Approach, Upper Saddle River NJ: Prentice Hall, c1996.
37. Emmanuel Chukwudi Eze, African Philosophy: An Anthology, Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, 1998.
38. Richard A. Wright (ed.), African Philosophy: An Introduction, Lanham: University Press of America (3d ed.), c1984.
39. Tsenay Serequeberhan (ed.), African Philosophy: The Essential Readings, 1st ed. New York, NY: Paragon House, 1991; [Series title:  Paragon Issues in Philosophy].
40. T. Uzodinma Nwala (ed.), Amo, Anton Wilhelm, b. ca. 1700, Anton William Amo's Treatise on the Art of Philosophising Soberly and Accurately (with commentaries, Nsukka: William Amo Centre for African Philosophy, University of Nigeria, 1990; [Series title: Special publication (William Amo Centre for African Philosophy)].
41. Apostel, Leo, African Philosophy: Myth or Reality? Gent, Belgium: Story-Scientia, 1981; [Series title:  Philosophy and Anthropology; 2].
42. Anita Jacobson-Widding (ed.), Body and Space: Symbolic Models of Unity and Division in African Cosmology and Experience, Uppsala: Upsaliensis Academiae; Stockholm, Sweden: Distributed by Almqvist & Wiksell International, 1991; [Series title: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Uppsala studies in Cultural Anthropology 16].
43. Negussay Ayele and Claude Sumner (eds.), Books for Life, 1st ed., [Ethiopia?]: Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, 1991.
44. Eliot Deutsch and Ron Bontekoe (eds.); advisory editors, Tu Weiming [et al.], A Companion to World Philosophies, Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1997; [Series title: Blackwell Companions to Philosophy].
45. T.U. Nwala (ed.), Critical Review of the Great Debate on African Philosophy (1970-1990), Enugu: William Amo Centre for African Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1992 (Enugu: Hillys Press).
46. Maduabuchi F. Dukor, Theistic Humanism: Philosophy Of Scientific Africanism, Lagos, Nigeria: [Noble Communications Network], 1994.
47. A.O. Echekwube (Anthony Onyebuchi), An Introduction To African Philosophy, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria: Kraft Books, 1994.
48. Andrew F. Uduigwomen (ed.), Footmarks on African Philosophy, Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria: Obaroh & Ogbinaka Publishers, c1995.
49. Segun Gbadegesin, African Philosophy: Traditional Yoruba Philosophy and Contemporary African Realities, New York: P. Lang, c1991; [Series title:  American University Studies. Series V, Philosophy; vol. 134].
50. Lewis R. Gordon, Her Majesty's Other Children: Sketches Of Racism From A Neocolonial Age, Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, c1997.
51. Kwame Gyekye, An Essay on African Philosophical Thought: The Akan Conceptual Scheme, Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1987.
52. Kwame Gyekye, The Unexamined Life: Philosophy and The African Experience, Accra: Ghana Universities Press, 1988.
53. B. Hallen and J.O. Sodipo, Knowledge, Belief & Witchcraft: Analytic Experiments In African Philosophy, London: Ethnographica, 1986.
54. Paulin J. Hountondji; translated by Henri Evans with the collaboration of Jonathan Ree, African Philosophy: Myth And Reality, Introduction by Abiola Irele, 2nd ed., Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, c1996; [Series title: African Systems of Thought].
55. Samuel Oluoch Imbo, An Introduction To African Philosophy, Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, c1998.
56. Pantaleon Iroegbu, Enwisdomization; &, African Philosophy: Two Selected Essays, Owerri: International Universities Press, 1994.
57. Pantaleon Iroegbu, Metaphysics, The Kpim of Philosophy, Owerri, Nigeria: International Universities Press, c1995.
58. Heinz Kimmerle (ed.), Joint Symposium of Philosophers from Africa and from the Netherlands (1st: 1989: Rotterdam, Netherlands) I, We, and Body: First Joint Symposium of Philosophers from Africa and from the Netherlands, at Rotterdam on March 10, 1989, Amsterdam: B.R. Gruner, 1989; [Series title: Schriften zur Philosophie der Differenz; Bd. 3].
59. Chukwunyere Kamalu, Foundations of African Thought: A Worldview Grounded in The African Heritage Of Religion, Philosophy, Science, And Art, London: Karnak House, 1990.
60. Archie Mafeje, African Philosophical Projections and Prospects for The Indigenisation of Political And Intellectual Discourse, Harare: SAPES Books, 1992; [Series title: Seminar Paper Series; No. 7].
61. M. Akin Makinde, African Philosophy, Culture, and Traditional Medicine, Athens, OH: Ohio University Center for International Studies, 1988; [Series title: Monographs in International Studies. Africa Series; No. 53.
62. D.A. Masolo, African Philosophy in Search of Identity, Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press: Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1994; [Series title: African Systems of Thought].
63. John S. Mbiti, African Religions & Philosophy, 2nd rev. and enl. ed., Oxford; Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1990.
64. C.S. Momoh, Philosophy of a New Past and an Old Future, Auchi [Nigeria?]: African Philosophy Projects Publications, 1991.

THIRD SET OF BOOKS FOR REVIEW
65. V.Y. Mudimbe, The Idea of Africa, Bloomington: Indiana University Press; London: J. Currey, c1994; [Series title: African Systems of Thought].
66. V.Y. Mudimbe, The Invention of Africa: Gnosis, Philosophy, and the Order of Knowledge, Bloomington: Indiana University Press, c1988; [Series title: African Systems of Thought].
67. Nwankwo Nnabuchi, The Conscience of God, Enugu: Life Paths Printing Press, 1987.
68. Segun Ogungbemi, A Critique of African Cultural Beliefs, Ikeja, Lagos: Pumark Nigeria, 1997.
69. Theophilus Okere, African Philosophy: A Historico-Hermeneutical Investigation of The Conditions of Its Possibility, Lanham [MD]: University Press of America, c1983.
70. Chukwudum B. Okolo, African Philosophy: A Short Introduction, Rev. ed., Enugu [Nigeria]: Cecta, 1993.
71. E.I. Ifesieh, (ed.), Okolo on African Philosophy & African Theology: Silver Jubilee Essays, Engugu, Nigeria: CECTA (Nigeria) Ltd. Pub. Div., 1990.
72. Chukwudum B. Okolo, What is African Philosophy? A Short Introduction, [Nigeria: C.B. Okolo, 1987?].
73. Olusegun Oladipo, The Idea of African Philosophy: A Critical Study of The Major Orientations in Contemporary African Philosophy, Ibadan: Molecular Publishers, 1992.
74. Joseph I. Omoregbe, Knowing Philosophy: A General Introduction, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria: Joja Educational Research and Publishers, c1990.
75. Innocent Chilaka Onyewuenyi, The African Origin of Greek Philosophy: An Exercise in Afrocentrism, Nsukka, Nigeria: University of Nigeria Press, 1993.
76. H. Odera Oruka, introduction by, Oginga Odinga: His Philosophy and Beliefs, Nairobi: Initiatives Publishers, 1992; [Series title: Sage Philosophy Series; No. 1].
77. Isaac D. Osabutey-Aguedze, The Principles Underlying the African Religion and Philosophy, Nairobi: Maillu Publishing House, 1990.
78. Heinz Kimmerle, Franz M. Wimmer. (ed.), Philosophy and Democracy in Intercultural Perspective = Philosophie et Democratie en Perspective Interculturelle, Amsterdam; Atlanta, GA: c1997; [Series title: Studien zur interkulturellen Philosophie; 3].
79. Emmanuel Chukwudi Eze (ed.), Postcolonial African Philosophy: A Critical Reader, Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 1997.
80. E.A. Ruch and K.C. Anyanwu (ed.), African Philosophy: An Introduction to the Main Philosophical Trends in Contemporary Africa, Rev. ed., Rome: Catholic Book Agency, 1984.
81. H. Odera Oruka (ed.), Sage Philosophy: Indigenous Thinkers and Modern Debate on African Philosophy, Leiden; New York: E.J. Brill, 1990; [Series title: Philosophy of History and Culture 4].
82. Claude Sumner (ed.), Seminar on African Philosophy (1976: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), Proceedings of the Seminar on African Philosophy, Addis Ababa, 1-3 December 1976, = Actes du Seminaire sur la Philosophie Africaine, Addis Ababa, 1-3 decembre 1976 [Addis Ababa: s.n.], 1980 (Addis Ababa ([PO Box 1176], Addis Ababa): Printed for the Addis Ababa University by Chamber Print. House).
83. Tsenay Serequeberhan, The Hermeneutics of African Philosophy: Horizon and Discourse, New York: Routledge, 1994.
84. Augustine Shutte, Philosophy for Africa, Rondebosch, South Africa: UCT Press, 1993.
85. Augustine Shutte, Philosophy for Africa, Milwaukee: Marquette University Press, 1995; [Series title: Marquette Studies in Philosophy; #5].
86. Emma Ekpunobi and Ifeanyi Ezeaku (eds.), Socio-Philosophical Perspective of African Traditional Religion, Enugu [Nigeria]: New Age Publishers, 1990.
87. Godwin Sogolo, Foundations Of African Philosophy: A Definitive Analysis Of Conceptual Issues In African Thought, Ibadan, Nigeria: Ibadan University Press, 1993.
88. C.S. Momoh (ed.), The Substance of African Philosophy, Auchi [Nigeria?]: African Philosophy Projects' Publications, 1989.
89. Alwin Diemer (ed.), Symposium On Philosophy In The Present Situation Of Africa, Wednesday, August 30, 1978, Wiesbaden: Steiner, 1981.
90. Elleni Tedla, Sankofa: African Thought And Education, New York: P. Lang, c1995; [Series title: Studies in African and African-American Culture Vol. 11].
91. Anselem Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo Ugwuegbu, Ultimate Reality: Man And His Existence In The Modern World, Enugu, Anambra State [Nigeria]: Standard Educational Services, c1990; [Series title: Philosophy, Religion & Social Ethics].
92. Barbara Lloyd, John Gay (eds.), Universals of Human Thought: Some African Evidence,  Cambridge [Eng.]; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1981.
93. Kwasi Wiredu; selected and introduced by Olusegun Oladipo, Conceptual Decolonization in African Philosophy: Four Essays, Ibadan, Nigeria: Hope Publications, c1995.
94. Kwasi Wiredu, Cultural Universals and Particulars: An African Perspective, Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1996; [Series title: African Systems of Thought].
95. Kwasi Wiredu, Philosophy and an African Culture, Cambridge [Eng.]; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1980.
96. H. Odera Oruka, Practical Philosophy: In Search of an Ethical Minimum, Nairobi: East African Educational Publishers, 1997.