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African Philosophies
For many students of philosophy in the West, philosophy is understood as a discipline stemming from Ancient Greece, embracing the great thinkers of medieval and early modern Europe and continuing through to the present day. To the extent that other philosophical traditions are taken into account, these tend to be selected philosophical traditions of Asia. Rarely is African philosophy considered in this context, even though Africa and the West are deeply interconnected through long histories of colonialism and slavery.
In this important book Séverine Kodjo-Grandvaux argues that a serious engagement with African philosophy is long overdue. She shows that there is a rich tradition of philosophical thought in Africa that addresses issues ranging from the legacies of colonialism to the nature of time, the state, responsibility, identity, dignity and personhood. An engagement with African philosophy also offers a fresh perspective on Western philosophy, prompting us to interrogate ourselves and our own history. Conceptualizing African philosophy becomes a way of conceptualizing the world and of understanding how to know ourselves through the gaze of another.
African Philosophies is not so much a survey of philosophy in Africa but rather an account of how the question of African philosophy emerged in the second half of the 20th century and of what we can learn from a serious engagement with African philosophy today. It will be of great interest to students and scholars in philosophy, in colonial and postcolonial studies and throughout the humanities.
In this important book Séverine Kodjo-Grandvaux argues that a serious engagement with African philosophy is long overdue. She shows that there is a rich tradition of philosophical thought in Africa that addresses issues ranging from the legacies of colonialism to the nature of time, the state, responsibility, identity, dignity and personhood. An engagement with African philosophy also offers a fresh perspective on Western philosophy, prompting us to interrogate ourselves and our own history. Conceptualizing African philosophy becomes a way of conceptualizing the world and of understanding how to know ourselves through the gaze of another.
African Philosophies is not so much a survey of philosophy in Africa but rather an account of how the question of African philosophy emerged in the second half of the 20th century and of what we can learn from a serious engagement with African philosophy today. It will be of great interest to students and scholars in philosophy, in colonial and postcolonial studies and throughout the humanities.
270 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
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January 15, 2026
It’s a shame that this book is 10 years old. It sadly feels a bit dated now, and it’s concern with the question of what African Philosophy is, whether it exists, and how to categorise thought is possibly something that has been surpassed by the recognition of African philosophers around the world since the book came out.
Nevertheless if this is what you are interested in, this book is great. I especially liked the biography section at the back which gives a good overview of who is who.
For me, the main concern of the book was less interesting, but on its own terms it explores the question very well.
Pros: comprehensive, well written, introductory
Cons: I struggled with how repetitive some sections felt, very academic with a singular focus
Nevertheless if this is what you are interested in, this book is great. I especially liked the biography section at the back which gives a good overview of who is who.
For me, the main concern of the book was less interesting, but on its own terms it explores the question very well.
Pros: comprehensive, well written, introductory
Cons: I struggled with how repetitive some sections felt, very academic with a singular focus
Displaying 1 of 1 review