African Philosophy Research Articles

Be Your Sister’s Keeper: Personal Experience of Travelling a Lonely Journey in Academia

Neoliberal universities are farcical and absurd places where black women are marginalised intentionally or unintentionally to discourage them and others from significant accomplishments on the academic ladder. Black woman marginalisation takes variegated forms, and it has its roots in patriarchy and identity confusion. Whilst access is created by the system, there is very little support to enable black women to survive and succeed as they climb the bureaucratic ladder in neoliberal universities. The journey is worsened when one climbs the ladder and leaves sisters behind who choose to be ‘campers’ in these universities. Be your sister’s keeper is a biblical term that speaks to the fact that we need to practice ethics of care among ourselves. This is a qualitative self-study that I narrate my thirty-eight years of lived experiences, and it reflexively evaluates my lonely journey in academia. I use this platform to conscientise my African sisters about the challenges that they are likely to encounter in neoliberal universities. Caring for one another is an African term rooted in ‘ubuntu’ African philosophy that has prevailed over the ages. I argue that as black women, we need to create spaces where we can offer another not only a shoulder to cry on but encourage each other to navigate the academy and its mazes. I am convinced that my experiences and personal journey in academia add a voice to novice academics who must still navigate the bureaucratic ladder. I discuss cultural stereotyping and patriarchy, workplace oppression, and gender-based violence (GBV).

Diaspora, Gender and Identity Transformations inthe Context African Philosophy and Culture: A Case of Zimbabwe.

his paper sought to explore diaspora, gender and identity transformations in the context African philosophy and culture. The paper explored diaspora, gender and identity transformations of Zimbabwean society and the concomitant demise of socio-cultural practices, dissecting how diasporas have shaped its cultural identity. 20 participants were purposively drawn from adult Zimbabwean family members living in the diaspora or with diasporic lived experiences of more than three years. The author used a scoping review of literature related to African philosophy, diaspora, gender and identity using search engines. Questionnaires and interview schedule were also used to gather data. Results show that diasporic experiences produce fused, identity and gender modes of cultural dimensions marked by significant, negative transformations. Gender was found to be a central cog that affects every stage of the migration process, interactions and subsequent outcomes. Additionally, it was noted that men are the worst affected as they are faced with challenges of trying to model families within the philosophy or context of African gender, sex and identity whilst children born in the diaspora face a myriad of challenges trying to meet the desired or accepted status. From these findings it could be concluded that diaspora life and identity exist under highly toxic and polarized relations which harbours identity confusion, mental instability, altered gender roles and to some extent self-destructive behaviours like prostitution, drugs and substance abuse, mutilation and suicide. The researcher therefore recommends collaborative, large-scale researches with those in the diaspora. The government should establish Zimbabwean culture centres in countries where Zimbabweans are diaspora to preserve our philosophies. Another recommendation is to curb the diaspora ecstasy as well as provision of multicultural counseling to those in the diaspora.

The Concept of Feminism within the Specificity of African Philosophy

This paper explores the evolution and impact of African feminist theories within the historical and socio-cultural context of the continent. It delves into pre-colonial gender roles, illustrating the significant influence and authority women held in various African societies, such as the Akan and Igbo communities. The study examines the disruption of these roles by colonialism, which imposed Western patriarchal structures and marginalised women’s economic and political participation. Post-colonial developments highlight the emergence of feminist movements that strive to address these historical injustices and advocate for gender equality. Indigenous feminist theories such as Motherism, Stiwanism, and Ubuntu Feminism are emphasised, showcasing their unique approaches that blend traditional African values with contemporary feminist ideals. These theories and movements provide a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics, advocating for reforms that resonate with African cultural contexts while addressing modern challenges such as economic disenfranchisement, access to education, and gender-based violence. The paper underscores the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge systems with feminist principles to achieve a more inclusive and equitable society.

Using Ubuntu as a Research Paradigm to Unpack How Ghanaian Novice Teachers and Their Collaborators Engaged Virtually in Collaborative International Qualitative Research

The article details how Ubuntu was incorporated into each step of the research project, shares the authors’ experiences and key learnings, and provides recommendations for researchers utilizing Ubuntu as a research paradigm. Ubuntu is an ancient African philosophy emphasizing a way of life grounded in interdependence, collaboration, harmony, and community. In recent years, researchers have incorporated Ubuntu as a research paradigm to decolonize research in a sub-Saharan African context. The present article used international collaborative qualitative research conducted virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic to demonstrate the application of Ubuntu as a research paradigm for conducting research in the African context. Some of the key takeaways include technological factors to consider, establishing connections during the planning stage, and ultimately nurturing productive collaboration within virtual groups.

The Importance of Mentorship Opportunities for Women in Academia: A Systematic Review

This paper aims to review the literature on the importance of mentoring in academia, specifically focusing on enhancing women's careers in academia. This study focuses on studies published between 2000-2023. Due to gender imbalance in academia, mentoring of early-career female academics has been recognised as instrumental in improving their aspirations. However, this tool is not receiving the recognition that it deserves, especially for women in academia. It further briefly discusses how mentoring is used as a resource to foster institutional change and decolonise entrenched academic promotion practices of paternalism. Radical feminist theory underpinned this study as this theoretical position helps explain the power inequalities that occur in higher education institutions (HEIs) and women’s communities and how these in turn inhibit the progress of women in academia. Furthermore, the African philosophy of Ubuntu is also used to explain how women can be supported in academia using indigenous African epistemology. A systematic review approach was used by searching for studies that focused on the importance of mentoring in academia. The findings of the review revealed numerous significant challenges that women in academia encounter. In addition, various benefits of mentoring were uncovered and discussed

Promoting Sustainable Development Goal 5 Through Ubuntu-Based South African Basic Education Curriculum

Gender inequality is a pervasive problem worldwide and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) of gender equality is crucial for social progress. In South Africa, gender disparities persist in primary and secondary education, hindering girls' access to quality education and opportunities. This study explores the application of the Ubuntu socio-cultural principle in addressing SDG 5 in South Africa. Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and humaneness, offers insights into fostering social justice and equality. By integrating Ubuntu principles into education, South African secondary schools can promote inclusive classrooms, gender sensitization programs, peer support, and mentorship. Inclusive education ensures equal participation and opportunities for all students, fostering respect for diversity. Gender sensitization programs raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy and understanding. Peer support and mentorship programs create a supportive network, breaking gender barriers and fostering positive role modelling. Applying Ubuntu principles in South African secondary schools can contribute to achieving SDG 5 by creating an inclusive and respectful educational environment that values and respects all students, regardless of gender. By promoting empathy, understanding, and collective responsibility, Ubuntu can help challenge harmful gender norms and foster dialogue, collaboration, and transformative change towards gender equality.

The Development of the Concept of Belongingness in African Philosophy: Contributions of the Conversational School of Philosophy

Abstract The concept of belongingness is fast generating interest among scholars of African philosophy. Several scholars articulate and promote various concepts that relate to belongingness. Some of these concepts include communality, solidarity, relationality, integration, harmony, and complementarity. A common thread among these concepts is that they represent an agglutination of parts for mutual identity, enrichment, and survival. This article focuses on the contributions that members of the Conversational School of Philosophy have made toward the development of the concept of belongingness in African philosophy. Specifically, it briefly highlights the ideas of certain scholars, showing how each animates the concept of belongingness. Though their conceptual framings might vary, each speaks, this article argues, to the idea of belongingness.

Ezumezu: A Logic System for Grounding the Notion of Belongingness in African Philosophy

Abstract The notion of belongingness in African philosophy has its most profound expression in Pantaleon Iroegbu’s uwa ontology, which stipulates that being is that which exists in the community, or, as he puts it, “To be is to belong.” The main contention of this article is that Jonathan O. Chimakonam’s ezumezu logic is fully equipped to explain this ontology of belongingness. This is due to the trivalent and dynamic nature of this African culture–inspired logic, which adequately captures the African conception of reality. According to this conception, individual entities continue to coexist or to belong in the community without losing their respective identities.

The Tradition-Modernity Dichotomy: Dilemmas of Belonging and Returning to the African Community

Abstract This article underscores the dilemma posed by the exclusivist view of the tradition-modernity contrast for anyone interested in the project of returning and belonging to the African community. On the exclusivist view, tradition and modernity are irreconcilable. After discussing the tradition-modernity contrast in the fields of sociology and academic African philosophy, this article adopts an eclectic view of tradition as an alternative to the exclusivist view. The alternative view enables those interested in the project of returning and belonging to retrieve those elements of tradition that have enduring values in order to utilize them creatively in various development projects. It is argued that this creative synthesis of traditional and modern elements is necessary to build viable contemporary African societies in which individuals feel a sense of belonging and identity.

Social work ethos in indigenous Shona music: a qualitative content analysis of the song Mugariro (Ephat Mujuru, 1994) through Ubuntu philosophy and Ukama construct in Zimbabwe

Several analysts working within the dominant Western paradigms are unwilling to evaluate and examine their indigenous perspectives as they find their structures to be culturally dependent rather than logical. Inspired by the principles of decolonial social work, this article analyses the song Mugariro (a way of living) by Ephat Mujuru, 1994, through the African philosophy of Ubuntu and its construct of ukama (relatedness/ relationality). Utilizing qualitative content analysis, this paper latently explores the song Mugariro and reflects on themes such as a good way of life, Ukama (relatedness/ relationality), an extension of Ukama to non-humans, global citizenship and spirituality in social work. The paper calls for social workers willing to work towards decolonial social work to tap into the knowledge in their localities and integrate it with social work knowledge were possible. How to reference using ASWNet style: Chigangaidze, R. K. (2023). Social work ethos in indigenous Shona music: a qualitative content analysis of the song Mugariro (Ephat Mujuru,1994) through Ubuntu philosophy and Ukama construct in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 285-293. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.2 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

African philosophy and nursing: A potential twain that shall meet?

Undoubtedly, the discipline of nursing has been influenced extensively by both Western and Eastern/Asian philosophies. What remains unknown or, perhaps, poorly articulated is the potential influence of African philosophy on the onto-epistemology of nursing. As a starting point, this article sought to examine the core claims of African philosophy and how they may offer new meanings to the metaparadigm domains of interest in the discipline of nursing. At the core of African philosophy is the notion of personhood (which is distinguished from what it means to be a human being), community, solidarity, and relationality. A major claim of African philosophy is the notion that 'a person is a person through persons' which may mean that nursing will be relevant from the African philosophical perspective if it is able to attain this. Health and illness from the African philosophical perspective are defined relationally which shifts attention from the biomedical framework to holism and relational care. The sick 'person' is also distinguished from the sick 'human being' which has the potential of leading to exclusion from the African philosophical viewpoint. Put together, the African philosophical stance potentially extends the meaning of the metaparadigm domains of interest to the discipline of nursing which warrants further exploration.

A Critical Appraisal of The Role of Retribution in Aníkúlápó: The Movie

This study examines Aníkúlápó, a Yoruba historical movie, to elucidate cultural perspectives on retributive justice. The study is grounded in the Yoruba worldview, which frames retribution as essential for restoring cosmic and social equilibrium when moral norms are violated. The data analysis used textual analysis of Aníkúlápó’s narrative depictions of crime and punishment as insights into traditional Yoruba principles of retributive justice. The findings reveal that the movie accurately portrays customary public punishment processes in precolonial Yoruba society aimed at communal justice and harmony. Beliefs in supernatural forces dispensing divine retribution are also authentically represented. While punishments seek to deter crime and rehabilitate offenders, scholarly critiques note occasional unfairness and excess. Overall, the analysis of the movie illuminates the pivotal role of retribution in Yoruba's cultural identity and moral philosophy. The key themes in the study relate to retribution's links to cosmic balance, supernatural dimensions, and functions as deterrence and rehabilitation. By situating the analysis of Aníkúlápó within scholarship on African jurisprudence, the study elucidates Yoruba perspectives on fate, choice, proportionality, and pragmatism when responding to moral complexities and wrongdoing. This study contributes original humanistic insight into indigenous African philosophies of social harmony beyond punitive justice. This study recommends comparing diverse narratives and contemporary attitudes to enrich the understanding retribution's nuanced cultural significance.

The medicine in the circle: A case example of embodied arts-based community practice to address intergenerational trauma in rural South Africa

This article shares extracts from an arts-based community model of mental healthcare that works with family and social systems to develop collective resilience and address intergenerational trauma in a culturally informed manner. The practice is situated in an African philosophy of collectivism, where the group is a resource and source of support. It invites arts therapists to engage with psychological practices outside of an individualistic focus with a practical approach to considering the ecosystem which influences health and well-being. Theories such as embodiment and polyvagal theory, community and collective resilience and intergenerational trauma are explored and translated to practise with an example of implementation in a remote farming community in the Western Cape of South Africa. The authors focus on practice elements derived from Dramatherapy and Applied Drama, which highlights embodied practices as they are applied to address intergenerational trauma and develop collective resilience.

A Hermeneutic Analysis of Selected Yorùbá Pentecostal Songs

The Christianity that reached Africa, especially the sub-Saharan region, had undergone several stages of inculturation and re-organization. The changing social, political, and cultural situation of the people had a tremendous impact on the Christian religion. As Christianity moved through the intellectual and political worlds, especially among the Yorùbá people of southwestern Nigeria, it acquired new categories of thought. Yorùbá philosophical language began to be applied in expressing some of the mysteries of the Christian faith. This was particularly evident in the articulation of the theological language expressed through various Christian songs. Different types of songs collected during the worship among the selected African Indigenous Churches and those produced by some artists were analyzed through the lens of textual exegesis. This paper considered the impact of the emerging trend of diffusion of African philosophy, worldviews, and Christian theology in the selected Christian songs. This in turn revealed the dynamism or the emerging trends in African Christianity that authenticate the pluricultural nature of contemporary world Christianity. The work demonstrated that Christianity is an essential part of the identity of the Yorùbá people, which is best demonstrated in the folkloric expressions, especially songs.

Where does philosophy begin when rationality is denied? Tsenay Serequeberhan’s concept of a lived existence as a means of decolonizing philosophy

Tsenay Serequeberhan’s hermeneutics has been crucial to the development of African philosophy. Initially employed as a pathway through the ethno- and professional philosophical debates, scholars have engaged how Serequeberhan’s hermeneutics grapples with one’s own place within a socio-historical world in service of liberation/self-determination. However, this scholarship mainly has focused on his adaptation of Gadamer’s ‘effective-historical consciousness’ for his own concept of heritage. This consequently leaves his concept of a ‘lived existence’ – which is equally crucial – under-examined. This paper probes what a ‘lived existence’ entails and its essentiality when explicating how one even begins to authentically think, which is the groundwork to Serequeberhan’s hermeneutics. This deepens why his concept of heritage matters as a starting point for self-determination. Addressing this lacuna, this article asks, where does philosophy begin and where should it go, particularly when rationality has been historically denied? Serequeberhan’s point of departure to answer this question proposes Heidegger’s concept of thinking itself to arrive at a notion of existence; contrariwise to most African scholars who employ a Sartrean existentialism via Frantz Fanon. As such, this paper gives an in-depth exploration of Serequeberhan’s initial reading of Heidegger, and then unfolds how he appropriates Heidegger to craft his notion of ‘lived existence’. The upshot this is twofold: First, a broader understanding of Serequeberhan’s project, its non-existentialist view of existence; Second, it describes how he specifically tailors his ‘lived existence’ to undergird his hermeneutical approach to heritage as a prescriptive, activist project which dynamically addresses the postcolonial situation.

A criticism of the notions of Nwansa and Nwanju in the conversational approach to African philosophy

This paper undertakes a critical exposé of the nature of the notions of Nwansa and Nwanju in the conversational approach to African philosophy. Conversational thinking is a philosophical method that allows individual thinkers to engage with each other philosophically on phenomenological issues. It is a formal, intellectual exercise orchestrated by philosophical reasoning in which critical and rigorous questioning creatively unveils new concepts from old ones. I reveal the limitations of this approach as articulated by Jonathan Chimakonam in his contribution to the methodological issues in African philosophy. In doing so, I demonstrate that these limitations are present, in part, in Chimakonam's unclear distinction between conversationalism on the one hand, and Socratic-Hegelian dialectics on the other hand. I also show that Chimakonam's claim that the engagement between Nwansa and Nwanju in conversational relationship does not result in a synthesis but, rather, perpetuates the reshuffling of thesis and anti-thesis, raises questions on the conversational nature of conversationalism, and poses a challenge when applied to existential situations. I argue that conversational philosophy should be perceived as a reconstruction of Socratic-Hegelian Dialectics or a tacit improvement of it. For this reason, I conclude that despite its limitations, a conversational approach through the dynamics of Nwansa and Nwanju is still significant in the development of contemporary African philosophy and in the management of some ideological issues confronting the African philosophical project.

Letsema: Communion ecclesiology in action

This article compares a Setswana philosophy of community self-upliftment and self-reliance, known as letsema, with communion ecclesiology. The intention is to contribute towards the decolonisation of theology project. The objectives are to enlighten theologians that African philosophies are vital in decolonising theology and that these philosophies of botho or ubuntu enhance understanding of ecclesiology from the African perspective. A literature review, starts with a philosophical definition of letsema and make a comparison of letsema and communion ecclesiology, showing how the two are complementary and can work symbiotically to decolonise theology in Africa. Letsema, like communion ecclesiology is voluntary, non-hierarchical, goal-oriented, and purposeful. Communion ecclesiology is the perichoretic mutuality of the triune God with those who are called out to be a koinonia of participants in the Kingdom of God. Acts 2:42–47 express the essence of communion ecclesiology. African communities are religious; therefore, using any epistemology to enhance religion is accepted and appreciated. Religion runs deep in the veins of Africans. Letsema is indeed a communion ecclesiology in action (Ac 2:42–47) (the togetherness [homothumadon] of the church) - the community that coherently lives together with the trinitarian God, expressing its identity through doctrine, prayer, eucharist, sharing, and embracing each other indiscriminately.Contribution: Through the interdisciplinary approach, this article engages socio-history, philosophy, anthropology, theology, and psychology to express the importance of African philosophies in the processes of decolonising theology. The Letsema concept is communion ecclesiology in action and the two can work symbiotically to decolonise theology.

The potential of African philosophy in interpreting socio-economic rights in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Socio-economic rights in the African Charter are ideal in transforming socio-economic conditions of Africa’s people and preserving their historical collective way of living. For these rights to achieve goals envisaged by the Charter, an innovative interpretation that engages relevant interpretative tools is required. This article argues that African philosophy is a potential interpretative tool that can contribute immensely to upholding the Charter’s object and purpose. Founded on the principles of collectiveness and togetherness of Africa’s people, African philosophy has the potential to enrich the meaning, scope and content of socio-economic rights and enable individuals to commune with others in all spheres of socio-economicactivities. The article argues that engaging African philosophy in the interpretative process will guarantee individual and collective enjoyment of socio-economic rights to Africa’s people as understood in the African context. However, the supervisory organs of the African Charter have not effectively applied this significant interpretative tool in their socio-economicrights jurisprudence.

The decolonising of theology through African proverbs

The decolonisation of theology has been a subject in academia for almost 60 years. In this article, although referring to African proverbs as a way of decolonising theology all the proverbs are in the Setswana language, which the author is knowledgeable of and is conversant with; however, most of these proverbs cut across tribal, ethnic, and geographical boundaries. The objectives are, among others, to demonstrate the richness of African philosophy and wisdom expressed through proverbs, idioms, and folklore. These proverbs are sapient and capable of articulating theology, therefore making theology contextual and relevant for Africans. Definitions of proverbs start the discussions. A literature review and common knowledge are used to validate the facts stated. Three areas are chosen where and how the proverbs can be used to formulate and validate theological truth. Firstly, the area of ethics where proverbs are used in ethical instructions regarding morality and values, community and cooperation, leadership, family life, as well as respect and integrity. The second area is theologising through proverbs by which dogmatisation can be achieved highlighting the view of theology, a database in theologising, an authority base, and hermeneutical principle. Thirdly, proverbs can be used to strengthen communion ecclesiology. The conclusion is drawn that theology can unshackle itself from the clutches of colonialism, if African philosophy and wisdom expressed through proverbs can be engaged in hermeneutical processes and the contextualisation of theology in the African context.Contribution: The article engages the Setswana language, African philosophy, and theology to strengthen the theme of decolonising theology. It is both interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary as it engages anthropology, linguistics, human philosophy, theological ethics, dogmatics, and ecclesiology.

A Museum Ahead of Its Time: An Appreciation

ABSTRACT I am because we are; and since we are, therefore I am. This statement from Kenyan John Mbiti, one of the first post-colonial scholars of African philosophy and religion, provides deep insight into African modes of thought. It is also valid in a universal sense. Indeed, it reflects the theme of this 50th anniversary edition of the journal: our relationships shape who we are. This article explores my experiences between 1978 and 1983 at the Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., where my museum career began. I have come to understand that the museum’s prescient vision and practice profoundly influenced my next four decades as a museum professional. I also note the absence of much of this history in the story the museum tells of itself today.