Islamic Philosophy and the Challenge to African Philosophy

Abstract

This chapter attempts a critical comparison between African philosophy and Islamic philosophy. Bello traces the career of Islamic philosophy from its humble beginning through the age of the philosophers following the Greco-Roman traditions and others. This is contrasted with the uncertain beginning of African philosophy in language and other cultural materials, and the futile attempt to push back its beginning to ancient and medieval times. Bello then draws attention to the linguistic, historical, biographical, and bibliographical advantages enjoyed by Islamic philosophy when compared with African philosophy. The chapter then concludes with the suggestion that the genealogy of African philosophy can be appropriately comprehended and appreciated if more modest claims are made as to its beginning and career, especially before contemporary times.