PLS1502
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2025
Unique #
Due Date: 12 September 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2025
Unique #
Due Date: 12 September 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
