Introduction To African Philosophy
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 120 pages
- 24 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Computer based test
- Discussion forums
- Portfolio presentation
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL126, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL126 · UNIT 2: TWO ‘SENSES’ OF PHILOSOPHY: ACADEMIC AND WORLDVIEW.
As earlier pointed out, philosophy can be used in at least two ways; though, not necessarily exclusive of one another. These two ways, or senses, are discussed below.
What you should be able to do
- Define African philosophy and its key concepts.
- Analyze the impact of colonialism on African philosophical thought.
- Compare and contrast different schools of thought within African philosophy.
- Evaluate the role of culture and identity in shaping philosophical perspectives.
- Apply philosophical principles to contemporary African issues.
- Critically assess the relationship between individuals and community in African societies.
What it prepares you for
- Policy Analyst
- Cultural Consultant
- Ethics Officer
- Social Worker
- Educator
- Government
- Education
- Non-profit
- Cultural Organizations
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 6: The Conversational School of Philosophy
Requires understanding of complex philosophical methodologies and their application to African contexts.
- Module 4:
Unit 4: Some Controversies on Periodisation of African Philosophy
Requires critical analysis of historical sources and understanding of historiographical debates.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: What is Philosophy? · 2 hours
Read the unit content.. Understand the definitional problem of philosophy.. Analyze the etymological origin of 'philo-sophia'.. Review common definitions of philosophy..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Two ‗Senses' of Philosophy: Academic and Worldview. · 2 hours
Read the unit content.. Differentiate between philosophy as worldview and academic philosophy.. Reflect on the relationship between the two senses of philosophy..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Colonialism and the Emergence of Philosophy Education in Africa · 2 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 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Towards a Definition of African Philosophy · 2 hours
Read the unit content.. Explore the challenges in defining African philosophy.. Discuss the history and perspectives surrounding the definition..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 1: The Great Rationality Debate · 2 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 6Module 2:
Unit 2: Eurocentrism, Ethnocentrism and Racism · 2 hours
Read the unit content.. Define racism, ethnocentrism, and eurocentrism.. Identify examples of these concepts in historical and contemporary contexts..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 3: Universalism and the Question of African Philosophy · 2 hours
Read the unit content.. Expound on the arguments of the proponents of universalism.. Identify possible shortcomings of universalism..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 4: Particularism and the Question of African Philosophy · 2 hours
Read the unit content.. Expound on the arguments of the proponents of particularism.. Identify possible shortcomings of particularism..
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 1: Ethnophilosophy · 2 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 10Module 3:
Unit 2: Sage Philosophy · 2 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 11Module 3:
Unit 3: Nationalist-Ideological Philosophy · 2 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 hours
Read the unit content.. Evaluate the position of the critical current with respect to African philosophy.
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 5: Relevance School · 2 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 hours
Read the unit content.. Critique or evaluate the conversational school of philosophy..
- Week 13Modules 1-5
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Prepare for final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key historical figures and philosophical movements discussed in Modules 1-4.
- Develop concept maps linking Units 2-4 debates on ethnocentrism, universalism, and particularism.
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting ethnophilosophy and sage philosophy (Module 3).
- Review key terms and definitions from each unit weekly to build a strong conceptual foundation.
- Focus on understanding the arguments for and against freewill and predestination (Module 5, Unit 3).
- Summarize the main points of each unit in your own words to improve retention and understanding.
- Participate actively in discussion forums to clarify concepts and exchange ideas with peers.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL126 about?
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.
How many units does PHL126 have?
PHL126, Introduction To African Philosophy, has 24 units across 5 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL126?
PHL126 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is PHL126 hard?
PHL126 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and problem solving work.
How long does PHL126 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 24 units.
How is PHL126 assessed?
PHL126 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based test, discussion forums, portfolio presentation and final examination.
What can I do with PHL126?
Policy Analyst, Cultural Consultant, Ethics Officer, Social Worker and Educator.