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3.5
An Introduction to African Philosophy
ByPublisher Description
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.
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3.5
“This book is a good introduction to understanding African philosophy, but I wouldn't say it is the best approach. Although it presents the major concepts, authors, and ways of understanding this philosophical tradition in a structured manner, it sometimes drags on and repeats ideas that have already been explained. I would definitely recommend looking for a book that explains African philosophy as a coherent map of ideas rather than one that focuses heavily on personal opinions and critiques.”
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“I learned a lot about African philosophy from an academic disciplinary perspective, which wasn’t what I expected going in but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Reading this gave me a lot of food for thought about decolonising academia more broadly, and decolonising philosophical concepts at a societal level. The sections about oral vs written philosophy were particularly interesting and draws connection with other parts of the world with long traditions of oral philosophy that are also overlooked in favour of western hegemony. Overall, I’m glad I read this, even if it was a bit dry at times.”
“Had no idea about African philosophy before reading this. Didn’t know what to expect, but ended up really enjoying it. I especially liked learning about the different approaches within African philosophy itself ie. ethnophilosophy, hermeneutic, universalist, and the debates around what should even “count” as philosophy in the first place.
Some parts definitely felt academic, but I found the discussions around identity, colonialism, assimilation, African concepts of time, and the idea of who gets pushed to the “margins” of intellectual history really interesting. It’s the kind of book that made me stop and think.”
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