Ubuntu, communitarianism and personhood: key concepts in African philosophy

What is the course about?

In this course, students will be instructed on key concepts in African philosophy. The idea of African philosophy has been described by some as representing a variant of the projects that focus on Africa and an idea of a return to the source which aim at retrieving fundamental truths about the nature of Africans as philosophical, ethical, political, and rational beings. What we shall do in this course is to attempt to engage in some of the key concepts in African philosophy. The choice of this subject matter is informed by the long-standing discussions in African philosophy, the facts of the power of colonial disruption, and the intellectual projects and behaviour of the African people. We shall look at the representative body of works that encourage intellectual discussions. By so doing we might be able to arrive at a safe understanding of what the discourses are: 1) the debates within these discourses, 2) engage in discourses such as communitarianism, personhood, and ubuntu.

What will we cover?

· Nature and trends in African philosophy

· Communitarianism

· Personhood

· Ubuntu.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

· Engage in the various debates in support and against the debate on communitarianism, personhood, and ubuntu.

· To have a good knowledge of the nature and trends in African philosophy.

· Be able to engage in a critical conversation and intellectual discussion on African philosophy.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The purpose of this introductory course is to prepare students for either their first exposure to African philosophy or critical discourse analysis. Therefore, all that is needed is a receptive mind, the ability to think critically, engage with the materials for intellectual discussions, and be prepared to consider and pay attention to the views and positions of other students that may be totally different from yours.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Various topics will be introduced in each online session. Some of the assigned readings will be presented in PowerPoint format at each session. To better grasp the materials, a critical and intellectual discussion is encouraged during these sessions. Students are encouraged to search the internet for extra readings in addition to the assigned texts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

A pen and paper may be useful for jotting down ideas, and a prior read of the materials is encouraged.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You might be interested in HP232 African political philosophy, starting on 7/5/2025.