, PLS1502 MAY / JUNE EXAMINATION MEMO
(CHOOSE ONLY TWO QUESTIONS)
QUESTION 1:
Importance of Questions about “Africa” and “African” Identity in African Philosophy
Introduction
African Philosophy is not only concerned with abstract ideas such as truth, knowledge, or
reality, but also with foundational questions about identity, context, and self-definition. One
of the most important debates within this field concerns what is meant by “Africa” and who
qualifies as “African.” These questions are crucial because they influence how African
Philosophy is defined, who is included in it, and whether it can be considered a distinct
philosophical tradition. This essay discusses why these identity questions matter by
focusing on debates about Africa in African Philosophy, the relationship between African
and Western Philosophy, and whether the term “African” is still necessary today.
Debates about “Africa” in African Philosophy
A major debate in African Philosophy concerns how “Africa” should be understood. Some
philosophers argue that Africa is primarily a geographical concept referring to the continent
and its people. Others argue that “Africa” is more complex and includes historical, cultural,
linguistic, and experiential dimensions shaped by colonialism, slavery, and postcolonial
realities.
One key issue is whether African Philosophy should be defined by geography (philosophy
produced in Africa) or by cultural identity (philosophy rooted in African worldviews). If it is
purely geographical, then any philosopher working in Africa could be included, even if their
(CHOOSE ONLY TWO QUESTIONS)
QUESTION 1:
Importance of Questions about “Africa” and “African” Identity in African Philosophy
Introduction
African Philosophy is not only concerned with abstract ideas such as truth, knowledge, or
reality, but also with foundational questions about identity, context, and self-definition. One
of the most important debates within this field concerns what is meant by “Africa” and who
qualifies as “African.” These questions are crucial because they influence how African
Philosophy is defined, who is included in it, and whether it can be considered a distinct
philosophical tradition. This essay discusses why these identity questions matter by
focusing on debates about Africa in African Philosophy, the relationship between African
and Western Philosophy, and whether the term “African” is still necessary today.
Debates about “Africa” in African Philosophy
A major debate in African Philosophy concerns how “Africa” should be understood. Some
philosophers argue that Africa is primarily a geographical concept referring to the continent
and its people. Others argue that “Africa” is more complex and includes historical, cultural,
linguistic, and experiential dimensions shaped by colonialism, slavery, and postcolonial
realities.
One key issue is whether African Philosophy should be defined by geography (philosophy
produced in Africa) or by cultural identity (philosophy rooted in African worldviews). If it is
purely geographical, then any philosopher working in Africa could be included, even if their
