African Philosophy

Essay # 62435

History > African
Literature
Philosophy

African Philosophy

An overview and critique of the main ideas involved with with African philosophy according to Richard Bell.

2,032 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2005 South Africa

Paper Summary:

In Richard Bell's book, "Understanding African Philosophy", he states that 'particular African concerns speak to universal human problems' and also that 'African philosophy is making contributions to general conceptual understanding'. This paper discusses and evaluates this statement by attempting to define it. It also shows how the book is a critical guide to some of the most important issues in modern African philosophy and how Bell introduces readers to the complexity of Africa, the legacy of colonialism, the challenges of post-independence Africa, and the history and achievement of the various options in African philosophy.

Outline
Defining the Statement
Summary of the Book
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter's 4 and 5
Chapter 6
Summary

From the Paper:

"A major contribution of African philosophy is the delimitation of the problem of race. In dialogue with the problems such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and anarchy that postcolonial Africa faces today, African philosophy is currently in the process of formation. Such problems affect the world as a whole and so Africa can have a hand in finding solutions to such problems. Suffering has become endemic to Africa. In colonial times and in the era of apartheid it was inflicted by outsiders, but today it is inflicted by the Africans themselves on their fellow human beings. This calls for a philosophical discourse on suffering and justice in the African context. From these voices of suffering there may arise a condition for truth. Such a forum is the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission', which sought to provide South Africans an opportunity to know, reconcile and live together in peace and harmony. Its working and achievements hold lessons for many nations trying to come to terms with their tortuous pasts in the world today."