PLS1502: ESSAY QUESTION –
ASSESSMENT 2
Semester 2
PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 2 2024
, ASSESSEMENT 02
OPTION A
“Defining African philosophy requires clarification of one's assumptions at different levels.
That complex question What is African philosophy to be defined as? requires that we
understand, among other things: 1) what we are willing to count as philosophy in the strictest
sense; 2) what we are willing to count as philosophical texts; 3) who is making the definition
and for what audience (the question of motivations and intentions); and 4) one's ideological
commitments
The definition of African philosophy is inherently a political exercise due to the
historical and cultural context in which it is situated. The definitional dilemmas of
philosophy in general stem from the various perspectives and assumptions about
what can be considered as philosophy. These dilemmas become even more
complex when considering African philosophy, as it is often marginalized and
overlooked within the broader philosophical discourse.
The debate about whether African philosophy is possible or exists is largely initiated
by non-Africans, which raises questions about their motivations and intentions. This
reflects the power dynamics at play in the definition of African philosophy and brings
to light the political nature of the discourse. The persistence of this question and the
meaning behind it also point to the underlying political motivations in defining African
philosophy.
Universality and Eurocentrism further complicate the debates surrounding African
philosophy. The idea of universality in philosophy often reflects Western
philosophical traditions and fails to consider the diverse philosophical perspectives
from different cultural and historical contexts. This Eurocentric view has marginalized
and undermined African philosophy, reinforcing the need for a more inclusive and
diverse understanding of what philosophy entails.
The struggles for reason in Africa also highlight the political nature of defining African
philosophy. The historical context of colonialism and its impact on knowledge
production and intellectual traditions in Africa further complicates the definitional
dilemmas of African philosophy. The resistance to these hegemonic forces in
defining African philosophy is a political act in itself, as it challenges the dominant
narratives and seeks to reclaim and center African philosophical traditions.
In conclusion, the definition of African philosophy is inherently political due to the
power dynamics, historical context, and the impact of universality and Eurocentrism.
Addressing the definitional dilemmas of African philosophy requires a critical
reflection on the marginalized perspectives and a reevaluation of what can be
considered as philosophy. It requires a commitment to recognizing the diverse
ASSESSMENT 2
Semester 2
PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 2 2024
, ASSESSEMENT 02
OPTION A
“Defining African philosophy requires clarification of one's assumptions at different levels.
That complex question What is African philosophy to be defined as? requires that we
understand, among other things: 1) what we are willing to count as philosophy in the strictest
sense; 2) what we are willing to count as philosophical texts; 3) who is making the definition
and for what audience (the question of motivations and intentions); and 4) one's ideological
commitments
The definition of African philosophy is inherently a political exercise due to the
historical and cultural context in which it is situated. The definitional dilemmas of
philosophy in general stem from the various perspectives and assumptions about
what can be considered as philosophy. These dilemmas become even more
complex when considering African philosophy, as it is often marginalized and
overlooked within the broader philosophical discourse.
The debate about whether African philosophy is possible or exists is largely initiated
by non-Africans, which raises questions about their motivations and intentions. This
reflects the power dynamics at play in the definition of African philosophy and brings
to light the political nature of the discourse. The persistence of this question and the
meaning behind it also point to the underlying political motivations in defining African
philosophy.
Universality and Eurocentrism further complicate the debates surrounding African
philosophy. The idea of universality in philosophy often reflects Western
philosophical traditions and fails to consider the diverse philosophical perspectives
from different cultural and historical contexts. This Eurocentric view has marginalized
and undermined African philosophy, reinforcing the need for a more inclusive and
diverse understanding of what philosophy entails.
The struggles for reason in Africa also highlight the political nature of defining African
philosophy. The historical context of colonialism and its impact on knowledge
production and intellectual traditions in Africa further complicates the definitional
dilemmas of African philosophy. The resistance to these hegemonic forces in
defining African philosophy is a political act in itself, as it challenges the dominant
narratives and seeks to reclaim and center African philosophical traditions.
In conclusion, the definition of African philosophy is inherently political due to the
power dynamics, historical context, and the impact of universality and Eurocentrism.
Addressing the definitional dilemmas of African philosophy requires a critical
reflection on the marginalized perspectives and a reevaluation of what can be
considered as philosophy. It requires a commitment to recognizing the diverse
