PLS1502
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 12 September 2025
OPTION A
WHY IMBO BELIEVES THE DEFINITION OF AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY IS HIGHLY
CODED
1. Introduction
African philosophy has long been debated, not only because of what it contains but because
of what it challenges.
OPTION B
Comparing Ethno-philosophy and Nationalist-Ideological Philosophy in African
Thought
1. Introduction
African philosophy has developed through different approaches shaped by culture,
colonialism, and the search for identity. H. Odera Oruka outlines four major trends: ethno-
Terms of use
By making
philosophy, philosophic sagacity, nationalist-ideological use of thisand
philosophy, document you agree to:
professional
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
OPTION A
WHY IMBO BELIEVES THE DEFINITION OF AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY IS HIGHLY
CODED
1. Introduction
African philosophy has long been debated, not only because of what it contains but
because of what it challenges. Samuel Imbo (1998) argues that the very question of
what African philosophy is carries political, historical, and ideological weight. It is not
simply an academic problem, but one that speaks to colonialism, identity, and power.
According to Imbo, the definition of African philosophy is "highly coded" because it is
not a neutral or purely intellectual question. It is loaded with assumptions, doubts,
and expectations—often influenced by Eurocentric thought. This essay explores why
Imbo makes this claim, what it means, and why the definition of African philosophy
still matters.
2. Defining African Philosophy
To understand why defining African philosophy is so contested, we must first
understand what philosophy is. As Imbo explains, philosophy starts from human
experiences like death, religion, and justice. It grows into reflections, questions, and
methods for making sense of life (Imbo 1998:43). Different cultures experience life
differently, so philosophy naturally takes different forms depending on geography,
history, and culture. African philosophy, therefore, refers to the reflections and
intellectual traditions that come from African experiences and contexts.
But this is where the problem starts. While terms like "European philosophy" or
"American philosophy" are accepted without question, African philosophy is often
questioned in its very existence. Before someone even asks what African philosophy
says, they often first ask: ―Does it even exist?‖ (Imbo 1998:45). This shows that
African philosophy is not treated the same as its Western counterparts. It is always
being asked to prove itself.
3. The Politics and Assumptions Behind the Definition
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 12 September 2025
OPTION A
WHY IMBO BELIEVES THE DEFINITION OF AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY IS HIGHLY
CODED
1. Introduction
African philosophy has long been debated, not only because of what it contains but because
of what it challenges.
OPTION B
Comparing Ethno-philosophy and Nationalist-Ideological Philosophy in African
Thought
1. Introduction
African philosophy has developed through different approaches shaped by culture,
colonialism, and the search for identity. H. Odera Oruka outlines four major trends: ethno-
Terms of use
By making
philosophy, philosophic sagacity, nationalist-ideological use of thisand
philosophy, document you agree to:
professional
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
OPTION A
WHY IMBO BELIEVES THE DEFINITION OF AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY IS HIGHLY
CODED
1. Introduction
African philosophy has long been debated, not only because of what it contains but
because of what it challenges. Samuel Imbo (1998) argues that the very question of
what African philosophy is carries political, historical, and ideological weight. It is not
simply an academic problem, but one that speaks to colonialism, identity, and power.
According to Imbo, the definition of African philosophy is "highly coded" because it is
not a neutral or purely intellectual question. It is loaded with assumptions, doubts,
and expectations—often influenced by Eurocentric thought. This essay explores why
Imbo makes this claim, what it means, and why the definition of African philosophy
still matters.
2. Defining African Philosophy
To understand why defining African philosophy is so contested, we must first
understand what philosophy is. As Imbo explains, philosophy starts from human
experiences like death, religion, and justice. It grows into reflections, questions, and
methods for making sense of life (Imbo 1998:43). Different cultures experience life
differently, so philosophy naturally takes different forms depending on geography,
history, and culture. African philosophy, therefore, refers to the reflections and
intellectual traditions that come from African experiences and contexts.
But this is where the problem starts. While terms like "European philosophy" or
"American philosophy" are accepted without question, African philosophy is often
questioned in its very existence. Before someone even asks what African philosophy
says, they often first ask: ―Does it even exist?‖ (Imbo 1998:45). This shows that
African philosophy is not treated the same as its Western counterparts. It is always
being asked to prove itself.
3. The Politics and Assumptions Behind the Definition
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
