Abstract
The belief system that defies or negates the existence of other beings is the one which claims superiority over other beings in existence. On the contrary, African humanism is the philosophy which naturally enables the coexistence of all humans, irrespective of their creed, culture, tribe, nation or race. Achebe expressed and x-rayed the displeasure in the breaking of this principle or philosophy with the intrusion and imposition of western way of life which defied the existence of the kind of tranquility that existed amongst Africans, thereby leading to all things breaking apart. This paper examined African humanism within the context of African philosophical outlook as it was yesterday, today and tomorrow in complementarity with the western humanism. It drums out a few examples from the works of Achebe as they express and relate African world view in relation to the west. The paper aims at bringing African philosophy to relevance and unifying it worldwide without which philosophy is without universal relevance.
Highlights
The idea of humanism has been addressed by various scholars in various spheres of life over the years
African humanism is that ethical understanding which is enjoyed by the Africans in their way of life as depicted in all works of the father of African literature Achebe, especially in “things fall apart” (Achebe, 2002), “no longer at ease”, and “there was a country” (Achebe, 2004) and works of many other African writers
Amongst the Muslims of the northern Africa, humanism has been viewed by various Muslim scholars in various ways, Ibn Rushd (1126-1198) popularly known as Averroes among the Cordoba-Spain, is said to have argued for the secularization of political life and dominance of reason, this led to his rejection by the Muslim world
Summary
The idea of humanism has been addressed by various scholars in various spheres of life over the years. Studies have historically shown that since the 19th century, the idea has been associated with anti-clericalism as a result of the 18th century renaissance It took a different dimension by the 21st century at which period humanism tends towards human rights, reproductive rights, gender equality, social justice and the separation of the church and the state. These issues cut across all human races from East, West and the entire of Africa. This paper examines the idea of humanism in African philosophy in the curse of history from the West to Africa. The paper concludes with possible recommendations on African philosophy yesterday, today and tomorrow
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