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PHL126Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To African Philosophy

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and issues within African philosophy. It explores the definition, nature, and existence of African philosophy, examining various trends and currents. Students will delve into the history and historiography of the discipline, analyzing key figures and controversies. The course also covers substantive topics such as personhood, cultural identity, freewill, language, community relationships, and morality in the African context. The course aims to foster critical thinking and understanding of African philosophical traditions.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
African PhilosophyEthnophilosophySage PhilosophyColonialismCultural Identity

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of Philosophy

2

African Worldview

3

Colonialism and Philosophy

4

Rationality Debate

5

Ethnophilosophy

6

Cultural Identity

7

Freewill and Predestination

8

Language in Philosophy

9

Individual and Community

10

Morality and Values

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (6 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

computer based test

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

discussion forums

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

portfolio presentation

Extended work showcasing practical application of skills

Practical Work

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Consultant

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Ethics Officer

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Social Worker

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Educator

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentEducationNon-profitCultural OrganizationsResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: What is Philosophy?

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Understand the definitional problem of philosophy.
  • •Analyze the etymological origin of 'philo-sophia'.
  • •Review common definitions of philosophy.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Two ‗Senses' of Philosophy: Academic and Worldview.

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Differentiate between philosophy as worldview and academic philosophy.
  • •Reflect on the relationship between the two senses of philosophy.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Colonialism and the Emergence of Philosophy Education in Africa

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Examine the impact of colonialism on philosophy education in Africa.
  • •Evaluate the arguments of European scholars on African rationality.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Towards a Definition of African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Explore the challenges in defining African philosophy.
  • •Discuss the history and perspectives surrounding the definition.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: The Great Rationality Debate

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Understand the arguments in the Great Rationality Debate.
  • •Analyze European scholars' views on African conceptions of reality.
  • •Examine African philosophers' responses to Eurocentric views.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Eurocentrism, Ethnocentrism and Racism

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Define racism, ethnocentrism, and eurocentrism.
  • •Identify examples of these concepts in historical and contemporary contexts.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Universalism and the Question of African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Expound on the arguments of the proponents of universalism.
  • •Identify possible shortcomings of universalism.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Particularism and the Question of African Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Expound on the arguments of the proponents of particularism.
  • •Identify possible shortcomings of particularism.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Ethnophilosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Define ethnophilosophy.
  • •Understand the background to the term 'ethnophilosophy'.
  • •Identify notable ethnophilosophers and their positions on African philosophy.
  • •Mention some shortcomings of ethnophilosophy.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Sage Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Explain the focus and programme of the sage current in African philosophy.
  • •Understand the motivation behind sage philosophy.
  • •Identify the achievements and shortcomings of sage philosophy.
Week
11

Module 3:

4h

Unit 3: Nationalist-Ideological Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Discuss the position of Nationalist-Ideological philosophers on the character and goal of African philosophy.
  • •Point out the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments of Nationalist-Ideological philosophers.

Unit 4: Critical Current

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Evaluate the position of the critical current with respect to African philosophy
Week
12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 5: Relevance School

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Understand the motivation behind the relevance school's position on African philosophy.

Unit 6: The Conversational School of Philosophy

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit content.
  • •Critique or evaluate the conversational school of philosophy.
Week
13

Modules 1-5

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Prepare for final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key historical figures and philosophical movements discussed in Modules 1-4.

2

Develop concept maps linking Units 2-4 debates on ethnocentrism, universalism, and particularism.

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting ethnophilosophy and sage philosophy (Module 3).

4

Review key terms and definitions from each unit weekly to build a strong conceptual foundation.

5

Focus on understanding the arguments for and against freewill and predestination (Module 5, Unit 3).

6

Summarize the main points of each unit in your own words to improve retention and understanding.

7

Participate actively in discussion forums to clarify concepts and exchange ideas with peers.

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