Ezumezu as Methodology

Abstract

My main aim in this chapter is to lead a charge against the Western methodological hegemony and lay down principles that will demonstrate the independence of African philosophy and intellectual tradition. To do this, I will first identify and discuss three pillars of thought in Ezumezu methodology namely, nwa-nju, nwa-nsa and nwa-izugbe. I will show how they play foundational roles in the construction of the system of Ezumezu logic. Second, I will unveil and discuss the two main methods or modes of inference or reasoning in Ezumezu logic namely, Arumaristic and Ohakaristic. I will further identify the concept of nmeko easily translated as our notion of relationship and use it as a twine to bind the three pillars as epistemic agents and employ the latter to bring about a functional release of the two methods. Finally, I will show with the examples of five leading theories in contemporary African philosophy namely, Afro-communitarianism, ubuntu, complementary reflection, consolation philosophy and conversational philosophy, the cenrality of nmeko to the methodology of African philosophy tradition.