On Africanising the philosophy curricula: Challenges and prospects

Abstract

Against a background of the predominance of Western philosophy in Africa, and the marginalisation of African philosophy (real or perceived), it is, or at least it should be, evident that the quest to Africanise the philosophy curricula in universities in Africa is a welcome initiative. Even so, this paper argues that there are some serious challenges that will need to be addressed if this initiative is to be accomplished successfully. The challenges at issue include the tension between Western philosophy and African philosophy, and relatedly, some key controversies within African philosophy. Looking at philosophy as arising from and pointing to the nature of human beings as rational creatures, this paper argues for a review of the predominant conception of philosophy in order to establish an understanding of philosophy that will make the Africanisation initiative much more viable. In so doing, it will be possible to address the tension between Western philosophy and African philosophy, not to mention some controversies within African philosophy as well. In order to avoid some of the problems that may be associated with Afrocentric positions in dealing with Africanisation, I suggest that the focus should be on making philosophy relevant to Africa and not to make Africa relevant to philosophy. I have also taken note of the challenge of how to balance the practical and pure intellectual aspects of philosophy. In considering the prospects, the paper will also outline some of the key benefits that can arise from Africanising the philosophy curricula in universities in Africa.