Unravelling the Rich Tapestry of African Philosophy: A Beginner’s Guide

Welcome, fellow philosophy enthusiasts, to the fascinating world of African philosophy! If you are a beginner eager to explore diverse and thought-provoking ideas, you are in for an enriching journey, which touches upon key concepts like communitarianism, personhood, ubuntu, and decolonization.

Let’s dive in and discover the tapestry of African thought together and discover the unique perspectives that have shaped the continent’s intellectual landscape.

To understand African philosophy, it’s crucial to delve into the rich history of Africa itself.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Africa boasts a long and intricate philosophical tradition that predates colonial influences. African thought is deeply rooted in the continent’s diverse cultures, languages, and experiences.

The narrative of African philosophy is not a recent addition but a continuum of intellectual exploration that predates colonialism.

In exploring the history of African philosophy, we encounter a multitude of philosophical traditions, each with its distinct nuances. From ancient Egyptian wisdom to the profound insights of African scholars and philosophers, Africa’s intellectual heritage is as diverse as its landscapes. 

The multiplicity of traditions challenges the notion of a singular African philosophy, emphasizing the need to appreciate the richness and complexity of thought across the continent.
Before its contemporary form, the very existence of African philosophy was a contentious issue among philosophers.  

Some claimed that seeking to explore African philosophy was a futile attempt more suited to the realm of cultural anthropology. Others held that African philosophy was merely a new enterprise that began in recent times under the auspices of Western philosophy, while yet others argued that African philosophy has been present for as long as people have contended with their existential situation in the world. 

This journey will give us a proper insight into the discourse.

Communitarianism and Personhood: Building Bonds Beyond the Individual

Communitarianism

One prominent theme in African philosophy is communitarianism, a perspective that places a strong emphasis on community and collective well-being.

Unlike individualistic Western philosophies, African thought often emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. It values communal well-being over individual success, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity. 

Communitarianism encourages us to view ourselves not in isolation but as integral parts of a larger whole. This perspective challenges conventional notions of autonomy and places importance on relationships, reciprocity, and the well-being of the community.

In African societies, the community is seen as an integral part of one’s identity. 

Decisions and actions are often made with the well-being of the community in mind, and the well-being of the individual is intricately linked to the health and prosperity of the community.

Personhood

In Africa, personhood is socially defined in terms of harmonious relationships with members of the community. Communal values and norms shape personhood. 

Ifeanyi Menkiti  points out that what confers personhood on individuals within the African view is how well individuals ‘incorporate’ into their community – the maximal view of person. This incorporation involves a process by which individuals adhere to communal norms and discharge their communal obligations accordingly.

Personhood is not something one is born with but a thing to be acquired over time. In order to realise one’s basic aim in life – to become a person, a real person, or to develop this personhood – one must socialise, recognise and relate to others, duly discharge a familial and communal obligation, and display good conduct in the community.

In African cultures, personhood extends beyond the living to encompass a connection with ancestors. Ancestors are regarded as integral members of the community, and their influence shapes the present and future. Personhood, therefore, involves a dynamic relationship with both the living and the ancestral realm, creating a sense of continuity and shared history.

As we delve into the concepts of communitarianism and personhood in African philosophy, we discover a paradigm that transcends individualism, placing emphasis on community, relationships, and shared identity. The interconnected nature of personhood challenges us to rethink our understanding of self and others, inviting us to embrace a more communal and holistic approach to human existence. In the rich tapestry of African philosophy, communitarianism and personhood stand as a testament to the beauty of shared humanity.

Ubuntu: Embracing Humanity and Interconnectedness

Ubuntu is an ancient Bantu term and a concept deeply rooted in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the core of ubuntu is the fundamental principle that “a person is a person through the other persons” — “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”.

Ubuntu encapsulates the belief that one’s humanity is intertwined with the humanity of others.

The term, often translated as “I am because we are,” emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all individuals within a community.

The supposed maxim prioritizes the “we” (community) over the “I” (individual), believing that the interests and rules that unite the group are crucial to the development of the individual’s identity and freedom to engage in communal activities.

Ubuntu encourages compassion, empathy, and a shared responsibility for the well-being of others. It emphasizes the significance of community, respect, rights, love, inclusion, and shared values and norms.

Africans are known and identified through their sense of community, and they epitomize what it means to live a community life.

To develop one’s humanness or to become fully human one needs to be in community with others. The deprivation of this from any individual within the African community constitutes a social and epistemic injustice.

Exploring Ubuntu invites us to reflect on the ways in which our actions impact the broader community. It challenges us to recognize the humanity in others and foster a sense of communal responsibility. As we navigate the concept of ubuntu, we gain valuable insights into African philosophical traditions that prioritize relationships and interconnectedness. Exploring ubuntu unveils a profound philosophy that challenges us to reconsider our relationships with others and the world around us.

As we explore African philosophy, we inevitably encounter the concept of decolonization. The term ‘decolonization’ roughly means getting rid of colonial influences.
Historically, African thought has often been overshadowed by colonial perspectives, leading to the marginalization of indigenous philosophies. 

Therefore, decolonization in the philosophical context aims to reclaim, validate, and amplify African voices, perspectives, and narratives. 

This theme addresses the need to untangle the web of colonial influences that have shaped perceptions of Africa and its intellectual traditions.

In the journey of decolonization, scholars and thinkers seek to challenge the Eurocentric biases that have influenced the perception of African philosophy.

By acknowledging and valuing diverse intellectual traditions, decolonization fosters a more inclusive and authentic understanding of African thought. It encourages us to question dominant narratives and recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping philosophical discourse.

In the Global South, the dominant academic discourse has focused on the concept of decolonization of knowledge, often known as epistemic decolonization.
Dismantling the Western mode of thought and its assumed hegemonic power has been called for. However, the focus of discussion in both academic and daily life has been on realistic approaches to it.

Decolonization in African philosophy is a call to reclaim and celebrate indigenous knowledge, challenging the dominance of Eurocentric perspectives. It invites us to critically examine historical narratives, acknowledging the diverse and nuanced contributions of African cultures to global thought.