,PLS1502 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2025 (561251) - DUE 2 April 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
Option A
In “African historical reconstruction” Osuagwu identified four
factors which he argues characterize and explain the nature of
African Philosophy. Critically analyze these factors in light of
the discourses on Africa and discuss whether or not they
characterize African Philosophy in contemporary Africa.
Guidelines:
Discuss these factors in detail, their limitations, and strengths.
Discuss whether these factors are relevant in contemporary
Africa.
Do these factors make an African Philosophy, if so, how, if not,
why not?
Essay 1
Title: A Critical Analysis of Osuagwu’s Four Factors
Characterizing African Philosophy
Introduction The discourse on African philosophy has been
marked by debates on its nature, legitimacy, and distinctiveness.
In his work "African Historical Reconstruction," Osuagwu
identifies four factors that, in his view, characterize and explain
the nature of African philosophy. These factors aim to establish
African philosophy as a unique and legitimate intellectual
, tradition within global philosophy. This essay critically analyzes
these four factors, assessing their strengths, limitations, and
relevance in contemporary Africa. Furthermore, it evaluates
whether these factors collectively constitute an African
philosophy or if they fall short of this goal.
Osuagwu’s Four Factors Characterizing African Philosophy
Osuagwu argues that African philosophy can be understood
through four essential factors:
1. The Historical Factor
2. The Cultural Factor
3. The Hermeneutical Factor
4. The Creative Factor
Each of these factors contributes to shaping African
philosophical thought, but they also present certain challenges in
defining a coherent and universally accepted African
philosophy.
The Historical Factor The historical factor posits that African
philosophy must be understood within the historical context of
African societies. This includes pre-colonial African thought
systems, colonial experiences, and postcolonial philosophical
developments. Osuagwu argues that African philosophy is
deeply rooted in historical experiences, shaping the way
Africans conceptualize knowledge, reality, and existence.
Strengths: This factor acknowledges the significance of African
history in shaping philosophical thought. It helps in
deconstructing Eurocentric perspectives that have historically
dismissed African intellectual traditions.
1 2025 (561251) - DUE 2 April 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
Option A
In “African historical reconstruction” Osuagwu identified four
factors which he argues characterize and explain the nature of
African Philosophy. Critically analyze these factors in light of
the discourses on Africa and discuss whether or not they
characterize African Philosophy in contemporary Africa.
Guidelines:
Discuss these factors in detail, their limitations, and strengths.
Discuss whether these factors are relevant in contemporary
Africa.
Do these factors make an African Philosophy, if so, how, if not,
why not?
Essay 1
Title: A Critical Analysis of Osuagwu’s Four Factors
Characterizing African Philosophy
Introduction The discourse on African philosophy has been
marked by debates on its nature, legitimacy, and distinctiveness.
In his work "African Historical Reconstruction," Osuagwu
identifies four factors that, in his view, characterize and explain
the nature of African philosophy. These factors aim to establish
African philosophy as a unique and legitimate intellectual
, tradition within global philosophy. This essay critically analyzes
these four factors, assessing their strengths, limitations, and
relevance in contemporary Africa. Furthermore, it evaluates
whether these factors collectively constitute an African
philosophy or if they fall short of this goal.
Osuagwu’s Four Factors Characterizing African Philosophy
Osuagwu argues that African philosophy can be understood
through four essential factors:
1. The Historical Factor
2. The Cultural Factor
3. The Hermeneutical Factor
4. The Creative Factor
Each of these factors contributes to shaping African
philosophical thought, but they also present certain challenges in
defining a coherent and universally accepted African
philosophy.
The Historical Factor The historical factor posits that African
philosophy must be understood within the historical context of
African societies. This includes pre-colonial African thought
systems, colonial experiences, and postcolonial philosophical
developments. Osuagwu argues that African philosophy is
deeply rooted in historical experiences, shaping the way
Africans conceptualize knowledge, reality, and existence.
Strengths: This factor acknowledges the significance of African
history in shaping philosophical thought. It helps in
deconstructing Eurocentric perspectives that have historically
dismissed African intellectual traditions.
