A Short History of African Philosophy

by Barry Hallen

In this accessible book, Barry Hallen discusses the major ideas, figures, and schools of thought in African philosophy. While drawing out critical issues in the formation of African philosophy, Hallen focuses on the recent scholarship, current issues, and relevant debates that have made African philosophy an important key to understanding the rich and complex cultural heritage of Africa. Hallen builds upon Africa's connections with Western philosophical traditions and explores African contributions to cultural universalism, cultural relativism, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and Marxism. Hallen also examines African challenges to Western conceptions of philosophy by taking on questions such as whether philosophy can exist in cultures that are significantly based in oral traditions and what may or may not constitute philosophical texts. Among the figures whose work is discussed are Ptah-hotep (Egypt, 3rd millennium BCE), Zar'a Ya'aqob (Abyssinia, 17th century), Anton Wilhelm Amo (Ghana, 18th century), Paulin Hountondji, V. Y. Mudimbe, Oyeronke Oyewumi, Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Kwasi Wiredu.This clearly written, highly readable, and concise work will be essential for students and scholars of African philosophy as well as readers with a wide range of interests in African studies.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Africa, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Monene Moila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offered a rich and grounding introduction to African philosophy, especially in how it centres community, ancestry, interconnectedness and lived wisdom rather than abstract theory. I loved how accessible and affirming it felt, reminding me that philosophy is not distant or elite but woven into everyday African life and storytelling. That said, at times it felt introductory where I wanted deeper engagement and more contemporary application, especially around modern African realities. Still, it’s a thoughtful, affirming read that left me reflective. A solid 4-star experience.

[Jude Martyński · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5.

[tara bomp · Rating 2 out of 5]

When each philosopher is talked about it's alright, but as a whole it's very scattershot. He tries to cover a lot and it's impossible to do well in 100 pages. It isn't really a history, more like essays on various trends as they were at the time of writing through the lens of a few philosophers each. As an introduction it falls short, never really defining African philosophy as such. Not enough time is spent on each philosopher to really get a strong feel for them either, and the subjects each cover feel unconnected. Africa is treated as a monolith with everyone the same often. Not completely awful - you still get introduced to some ideas - but disappointing.

[Indiana University Press]

This revised edition expands the historical perspective, takes account of recent discoveries and new canonical figures, highlights new discussions about gender as a cultural and philosophical phenomenon, clarifies issues regarding indigenous cultures and human rights, and builds on the notion that African philosophy shares methods and concerns of philosophy worldwide.