• THE QUESTION OF RATIONALITY OF AFRICAN PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITION AND THE CHALLENGE OF COMPARATIVE DISCOURSE

    Author(s):
    Augustine Farinola (see profile)
    Date:
    2020
    Group(s):
    African Philosophy, Network for Digital Humanities in Africa, Philosophy, Public Humanities, Public Philosophy Journal
    Subject(s):
    Metaphysics, Africa, Area studies
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    African Philosophy, Comparative Discourse, Reality, Epistemology, African studies
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/ke2t-ne06
    Abstract:
    During comparative discourse, some scholars have ridiculed African indigenous concepts, phenomena, beliefs, and worldview in a forceful attempt to allow it to fit into western framework and to avoid the charge of irrationality. It is against this background this essay attempt to establish the basis for the rationality of discourse within the African philosophical tradition and set a basis for any form of comparative discourse with other philosophical traditions. My goal is not simply to argue for the inclusion of our philosophical tradition, but to prevent its distortion or the imposition of any sort of inferiority of thought on African minds. I posit that non-African epistemological framework nor should yardstick for rationality not be used as the measure for discerning the reasonableness of African philosophical reflections. My discussion on African understanding of reality and human being dwelt on the ontological reflection of Emmanuel Osigwe Anyiam Osigwe and Anthony O. Echekwube. I posit that there is only one reality but various forms of rationality. Since there are multiplicity of interpretation of reality based on one’s location within the cosmos, African interpretation of reality must not be dismissed or judged using framework from other society. I conclude that comparative discourse is possible and could merit from African worldview and value systems
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    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    3 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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