African Philosophy

1. Understand the key concepts and historical background of African philosophy.
2. Analyze African ontological and cosmological notions.
3. Examine the ethical and moral dimensions of African thought.
4. Evaluate different schools of thought in African philosophy.
5. Relate African traditional thought to contemporary issues.
6. Apply philosophical concepts to understand African culture and society.

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

   • Unit 1: Defining African Philosophy · 2 hours

     Define philosophy and African philosophy.. Discuss the etymological meaning of philosophy.. Analyze the geography of African philosophy.. Examine the debate on African philosophy..

2. Week 2Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

   • Unit 2: Meaning, Nature and Structure of African Traditional Thought · 2 hours

     Understand the meaning of African traditional thought.. Discuss the place of culture in African traditional thought.. Examine the nature of African traditional thought.. Discuss the roles of gods and goddesses, rituals, sacrifices, and myths..

3. Week 3Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

   • Unit 3: Approaches in African Philosophy · 2 hours

     Explore ethno-philosophy and its proponents.. Understand philosophic sagacity and its types.. Examine nationalistic-ideological philosophy and its leaders.. Discuss professional philosophy and its practitioners..

4. Week 4Module 1: Understanding African Philosophy

   • Unit 4: Historical Background of African Philosophy · 2 hours

     Learn the historical origin of African philosophy in Egyptian mystery schools.. Understand the Africanness of African philosophy.. Analyze the Egyptian origin of Greek philosophy.. Relate colonialism to contemporary African philosophy..

5. Week 5Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

   • Unit 1: African Ontological Notions · 2 hours

     Understand African ontological notions of force, spirits, the human person, and God.. Differentiate African and Western notions of force.. Examine the characteristics of African notions of spirits and being.. Evaluate Tempel's theory of vital force..

6. Week 6Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

   • Unit 2: The Concept of African Socialism · 2 hours

     Understand the concept of African Socialism.. Comprehend the background and history of African Socialism.. Examine the values of African Socialism.. Identify the limitations of African Socialism..

7. Week 7Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

   • Unit 3: Witchcraft, Magic and Sorcery in African Philosophy · 2 hours

     Understand the ideas of witchcraft, sorcery and magic in African metaphysics.. Differentiate between witchcraft and magic.. Relate African traditional medicine to magic.. Understand the value of sorcerers in traditional African societies..

8. Week 8Module 2: Some Basic Concepts in African Philosophy

   • Unit 4: Rituals and Festivals in African Tradition · 2 hours

     Examine the meaning and nature of rituals, sacrifices and festivals.. X-ray the different forms of rituals in African tradition.. Discuss the benefits of festivals.. Analyze the place of mediums and sacrifices..

9. Week 9Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

   • Unit 1: The Universe and Nature in African Worldview · 2 hours

     Discuss African views of the universe and nature.. Understand the nature of the universe.. Explain the place of man in the universe.. Understand its mystical and religious order..

10. Week 10Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

    • Unit 2: Destiny and Fate in African Worldview · 2 hours

      Describe the concept of destiny and fate in African tradition.. X-ray the role of destiny in the earthly life of man.. Explain the influence of moral character on destiny.. Explain the concepts of death and reincarnation..

11. Week 11Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

    • Unit 3: Moral Thinking in African Philosophy · 2 hours

      Explain the concept of morality in African philosophy.. Describe C. S Momoh's theory of moralism.. Explain the foundations of moral authority in African tradition.. Discuss the role morality plays in African societies..

12. Week 12Module 3: Some African worldviews and Ethics

    • Unit 4: The African Traditional Religion · 2 hours

      Explain the meaning and sources of African religion.. X-ray the challenges of African religion.. Learn the structure of African religion.. Appreciate the values of African religion..

13. Week 13Module 4: Some Schools of Thought in African Philosophy

    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Prepare for final examinations.. Complete any outstanding assignments..