African Sage Philosophy encompasses the intellectual contributions of wise individuals within African communities who endeavor to establish a rational basis for describing and perceiving the world. Kenyan philosopher Henry Odera Oruka played a pivotal role in bringing this philosophy to the forefront, aiming to demonstrate that African societies have always engaged in critical contemplation of fundamental ideas. Oruka's book, "Sage Philosophy: Indigenous Thinkers and Modern Debate on African Philosophy," documents his dialogues with indigenous sages, providing evidence of their rational exploration of these themes.[1]
Oruka's project sought to refute three negative assertions about indigenous African thought: first, that African sages lack philosophical thinking comparable to that of ancient Greek sages; second, that philosophical thought necessitates literacy, which African sages supposedly lack; and third, that African traditions discourage individual critical thinking. He argued that these claims stemmed from a Eurocentric bias that favored Greek philosophy while denying the philosophical value of African thought. Oruka believed that the ideas expressed by African sages were no different from those of the pre-Socratics and that African philosophy could flourish using similar methods to those employed in Western philosophy.[1]
Additionally, Oruka challenged the bias against unwritten thought in African communities. He contended that there were African thinkers who had not been absorbed into the tradition of written literature but possessed memories as reliable as recorded information. He cautioned against limiting the sources for uncovering traces of African philosophical activities. However, some critics, such as Peter Bodunrin, argued that while indigenous African sages were capable of philosophical thinking, they had not engaged in organized systematic reflections on their traditions. Oruka countered this by identifying four main trends in African philosophy, including African Sage Philosophy, which demonstrated that African philosophy extended beyond academic institutions.[1]
Oruka also addressed the perception of unanimity in African traditional thought. He argued that African traditions did not promote unanimity and that thinkers flourished through dialogue and diverse opinions. He presented empirical evidence of the diversity of thought among indigenous African thinkers, challenging the notion that African thought lacks critical inquiry and remains anonymous. Oruka differentiated between folk sages, who merely recite beliefs and myths, and philosophic sages, who subject beliefs to rational examination and accept or reject them based on reason.[1]
Sage Philosophy, as defined by Oruka, encompasses the expressed thoughts of wise individuals within a community, oscillating between popular wisdom and didactic wisdom. He emphasized the significance of providing rational explanations and justifications for courses of action and the inclination to express dissatisfaction with the existing belief system. Oruka distinguished philosophic sages from other sages who merely echo communal beliefs and practices.[1]
While Oruka believed that professional African philosophers could engage with indigenous sages, he also advocated for keeping the two groups separate to preserve traditions and prevent the erosion of indigenous thought. He argued that the language used by African professional philosophers relied too heavily on Western concepts and could impose on indigenous conceptual frameworks. He called for expanding legitimate philosophical activity beyond academia and maintaining awareness of Eurocentric impositions.[1]
In summary, African Sage Philosophy challenges Eurocentric biases and seeks to establish the philosophical status of indigenous African thought. It acknowledges the critical reflection and rational exploration of fundamental themes by African sages and underscores the importance of preserving indigenous voices while engaging in critical analysis and interpretation.[1]
References
editSources
edit- Masolo, Dismas (2016). "African Sage Philosophy". The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
Further reading
edit- Presbey, Gail M. "African Sage Philosophy". Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
- Horowitz, Maryanne Cline (2005). "Sage philosophy". New Dictionary of the History of Ideas. Thomson Gale. ISBN 978-0-684-31377-1.