PLS1502
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: August 2026
, Questions and Answers
1. Philosophy as a vast domain of knowledge comprises many approaches and
classifications. What is the significance of classifications?
a. Classification and reality are one and the same thing.
b. Classification is one way for human beings to get a grip on reality.
c. There are no classifications of philosophical activity in Africa.
d. Classification does not have a role to play in philosophy in general.
Correct answer: b. Classification is one way for human beings to get a grip on reality.
2. What question or problem is pursued in the learning unit on Morality in African
Thought?
a. Legal thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of deeds and behaviour in
society, particularly in the African context.
b. Bureaucratic thinking concerning the presence or absence of people, cultures and ways of
living in society.
c. Moral thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of deeds, actions and forms of
behaviour in society, particularly in the African context.
d. African thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of people, cultures and ways
of living in society.
Correct answer: c. Moral thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of
deeds, actions and forms of behaviour in society, particularly in the African context.
3. Complete the sentence: The primary requirement of writing a philosophical essay...
a. is to copy information from the relevant Wikipedia article.
b. is to ensure that the essay does not have spelling errors.
c. is to argue for or against a particular position.
d. is to ensure that the essay is descriptive.
Correct answer: c. It is to argue for or against a particular position.
4. Select the incorrect option. Serequeberhan's conception of African philosophy
emphasises the following:
a. African philosophy cannot be classified as philosophy because it is intrinsic in its nature.
b. Authorship of African philosophy is broader and open to non-Africans.
c. African philosophy should not be abstract but should reflect on the realities of history and
problems experienced.
d. African philosophy is philosophy if it is written; therefore, orality cannot be philosophy.
Correct answer: a. African philosophy cannot be classified as philosophy because it is
intrinsic in its nature.
5. According to Menkiti, the African view supports which notions?
a. Personhood has to be achieved and is not given simply because one is born human;
individuals can fail to attain personhood.
b. All of the above.
c. The community defines the person as a person; personhood is acquired.
d. None of the above.
Correct answer: b. All of the above.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: August 2026
, Questions and Answers
1. Philosophy as a vast domain of knowledge comprises many approaches and
classifications. What is the significance of classifications?
a. Classification and reality are one and the same thing.
b. Classification is one way for human beings to get a grip on reality.
c. There are no classifications of philosophical activity in Africa.
d. Classification does not have a role to play in philosophy in general.
Correct answer: b. Classification is one way for human beings to get a grip on reality.
2. What question or problem is pursued in the learning unit on Morality in African
Thought?
a. Legal thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of deeds and behaviour in
society, particularly in the African context.
b. Bureaucratic thinking concerning the presence or absence of people, cultures and ways of
living in society.
c. Moral thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of deeds, actions and forms of
behaviour in society, particularly in the African context.
d. African thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of people, cultures and ways
of living in society.
Correct answer: c. Moral thinking concerning the permissibility or impermissibility of
deeds, actions and forms of behaviour in society, particularly in the African context.
3. Complete the sentence: The primary requirement of writing a philosophical essay...
a. is to copy information from the relevant Wikipedia article.
b. is to ensure that the essay does not have spelling errors.
c. is to argue for or against a particular position.
d. is to ensure that the essay is descriptive.
Correct answer: c. It is to argue for or against a particular position.
4. Select the incorrect option. Serequeberhan's conception of African philosophy
emphasises the following:
a. African philosophy cannot be classified as philosophy because it is intrinsic in its nature.
b. Authorship of African philosophy is broader and open to non-Africans.
c. African philosophy should not be abstract but should reflect on the realities of history and
problems experienced.
d. African philosophy is philosophy if it is written; therefore, orality cannot be philosophy.
Correct answer: a. African philosophy cannot be classified as philosophy because it is
intrinsic in its nature.
5. According to Menkiti, the African view supports which notions?
a. Personhood has to be achieved and is not given simply because one is born human;
individuals can fail to attain personhood.
b. All of the above.
c. The community defines the person as a person; personhood is acquired.
d. None of the above.
Correct answer: b. All of the above.
