PLS1502
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2025
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-
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
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
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2025
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-
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
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
