Africa, Philosophy and the Western Tradition

This book examines the notion of an African philosophy, beginning with a critique of the assumptions behind this phrase and of the existing debate about «African philosophy». This leads to enquiry about the rise, establishment and maintenance of philosophy. Relations between consent to a theory of truth presupposed to philosophy and Western truth-claims in science, religion and human rights are studied. The relation of this to successful technology as vital for African development, but calling for the corresponding mental approach, is insisted upon. The book ends with stress on the central role of analogy in philosophical science and as a point of contact with African mythical tradition.