Oruka and Sage Philosophy: New Insights in Sagacious Reasoning

Abstract

The chapter begins with an overview of the earliest beginnings of the sage philosophy project, first in its near precursors (such as Radin’s and Griaule’s research) and its coming to birth with Odera Oruka’s efforts, in the context of encouragement as well as criticism by Kwasi Wiredu and Paulin Hountondji. The chapter then explains some of Odera Oruka’s motivation for the project as well as the historical and cultural context at University of Nairobi in the 1970s. Presbey outlines sage philosophy’s methodology and goals, as well as early efforts and publications from Kenya. This is followed by a survey of the use of the method by other Kenyan philosophers, and the spread of the method to other African countries including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and elsewhere, as well as providing insight into the criticism and advocacy the project has received. Presbey summarizes some of the key insights and contributions to philosophy made by the sages themselves. Finally, Presbey tackles the question of sage philosophy’s continued relevance in our rapidly changing and globalized world, and especially in the context of many political, economic, and cultural changes in Africa. The chapter ends with a survey of recent work in African philosophy that is related to sage philosophy but departs from (or goes beyond) Oruka’s methods or goals.