, PDU3701 Assignment 02
Paragraph type questions: Mandatory assignment
Question 1
1.1 African philosophy is concerned with attempting to reassert distinctively African ways
of thinking and of relating to the world. In the light of this, what issues need to be
addressed in education? List 4 issues. (8)
African philosophy seeks to emphasize uniquely African ways of thinking and engaging
with the world. In the context of education, several key issues need to be addressed to
incorporate African philosophical perspectives effectively:
1. Representation in Curriculum:
- It is crucial to include African philosophical concepts, perspectives, and thinkers in
educational curricula to provide students with a diverse and inclusive worldview. This can
help students appreciate different ways of understanding the world beyond Western
philosophies.
2. Decolonizing Education:
- Addressing the legacy of colonialism in education is essential to create a more equitable
and culturally relevant learning environment. This involves challenging Eurocentric biases
in educational content and methodologies.
3. Cultural Relevance:
- Education should be contextualized within African cultural frameworks to make learning
more relatable and meaningful for African students. Incorporating indigenous knowledge
systems and traditions can enrich the educational experience.
4. Critical Thinking and Empowerment:
- Promoting critical thinking skills within the context of African philosophy can empower
students to question dominant narratives and engage in transformative learning.
Encouraging students to analyse issues from multiple perspectives fosters a more holistic
understanding of the world.
These four issues highlight the importance of incorporating African philosophy into
education to foster a more inclusive, culturally responsive, and empowering learning
environment.
References:
- Mbiti, J. S. (1969). African Religions and Philosophy. Heinemann.
- Wiredu, K. (1996). Cultural Universals and Particulars: An African Perspective. Indiana
University Press.
1.2 In responding to the question in 1.1, discuss the significance of ubuntu and
communality for education.
(Refer to pages 14-17 of Philosophy in Education Today: An Introduction) (20
Paragraph type questions: Mandatory assignment
Question 1
1.1 African philosophy is concerned with attempting to reassert distinctively African ways
of thinking and of relating to the world. In the light of this, what issues need to be
addressed in education? List 4 issues. (8)
African philosophy seeks to emphasize uniquely African ways of thinking and engaging
with the world. In the context of education, several key issues need to be addressed to
incorporate African philosophical perspectives effectively:
1. Representation in Curriculum:
- It is crucial to include African philosophical concepts, perspectives, and thinkers in
educational curricula to provide students with a diverse and inclusive worldview. This can
help students appreciate different ways of understanding the world beyond Western
philosophies.
2. Decolonizing Education:
- Addressing the legacy of colonialism in education is essential to create a more equitable
and culturally relevant learning environment. This involves challenging Eurocentric biases
in educational content and methodologies.
3. Cultural Relevance:
- Education should be contextualized within African cultural frameworks to make learning
more relatable and meaningful for African students. Incorporating indigenous knowledge
systems and traditions can enrich the educational experience.
4. Critical Thinking and Empowerment:
- Promoting critical thinking skills within the context of African philosophy can empower
students to question dominant narratives and engage in transformative learning.
Encouraging students to analyse issues from multiple perspectives fosters a more holistic
understanding of the world.
These four issues highlight the importance of incorporating African philosophy into
education to foster a more inclusive, culturally responsive, and empowering learning
environment.
References:
- Mbiti, J. S. (1969). African Religions and Philosophy. Heinemann.
- Wiredu, K. (1996). Cultural Universals and Particulars: An African Perspective. Indiana
University Press.
1.2 In responding to the question in 1.1, discuss the significance of ubuntu and
communality for education.
(Refer to pages 14-17 of Philosophy in Education Today: An Introduction) (20
