Philosophy and African Philosophy: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

Philosophy is a rational enterprise, which is predicated on culture, wonder and human experience. As a result of this, diverse persons over the yearshave participated in this noble enterprise right from its ancient origins in Egypt and Greece. Hence, it has given birth to scholars who have come into the fray to express and defend their perspective. However, one of the most pressing issues in philosophy in recent past is whether the people of Africa have philosophy i.e., whether they can express themselves like their other counterparts, in other words, is there an African philosophy? This paper in appraising this issue employed the critical analytic method in an attempt to conceptualize philosophy and then African philosophy. From this conceptualization of philosophy, it became palpable that as Africans have culture and experience which are materials for philosophy there is African philosophy; because, Africans like other rational being reflect, express and share their experiences about their world, which can and does give birth to their own philosophy.

Keywords: Philosophy, African, African Philosophy, Western Philosophy, Human Experience