PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: 12 SEPT 2025 (MEMO)
, PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
Prescribed reading: See Samuel. E Imbo’s essay on how African philosophy is to be
defined. And
the corresponding readings in the study guide.
According to Imbo, the definition of African Philosophy is “highly coded”. In your essay,
discuss why Imbo
How is African Philosophy defined in Imbo’s text?
Discuss the politics and assumptions of defining African Philosophy as referenced by
Imbo
What has been the impact of European rationality claiming universality?
Should African Philosophy still concern itself with the politics and assumptions of
defining African Philosophy?
Defining African Philosophy and the “Coded” Controversy
Samuel E. Imbo emphasizes that “African philosophy” is not a simple, self-evident
category but one loaded with hidden meanings and political stakes. In his view, the very
question “Does African philosophy exist?” is “highly coded” meaning it carries implicit
ideological assumptions about what counts as philosophy and who has authority to
define it. Imbo argues that African philosophy should be understood as philosophical
reflection by Africans in their own cultural and historical context, using the same critical
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: 12 SEPT 2025 (MEMO)
, PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
Prescribed reading: See Samuel. E Imbo’s essay on how African philosophy is to be
defined. And
the corresponding readings in the study guide.
According to Imbo, the definition of African Philosophy is “highly coded”. In your essay,
discuss why Imbo
How is African Philosophy defined in Imbo’s text?
Discuss the politics and assumptions of defining African Philosophy as referenced by
Imbo
What has been the impact of European rationality claiming universality?
Should African Philosophy still concern itself with the politics and assumptions of
defining African Philosophy?
Defining African Philosophy and the “Coded” Controversy
Samuel E. Imbo emphasizes that “African philosophy” is not a simple, self-evident
category but one loaded with hidden meanings and political stakes. In his view, the very
question “Does African philosophy exist?” is “highly coded” meaning it carries implicit
ideological assumptions about what counts as philosophy and who has authority to
define it. Imbo argues that African philosophy should be understood as philosophical
reflection by Africans in their own cultural and historical context, using the same critical
