Philosophy

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    The 15th Century Hayq Tradition of the Pauline Epistles, A Philological Analysis
    (Addis Ababa University, 2007-10) Demissie, Yosef; Marrassini, Paulo(Professor)
    This thesis concerns the study of the 15th c. Hayq’s manuscript of St. Paul Epistles. The manuscript consists of the 14 Epistles. Among these, the Epistle of Romans is selected. The reason why this manuscript is selected is that it has not been studied and edited and there is no published work or thesis on it. The focus of the study is on the latter corrections and emendations of the ms. The researcher believes that this ms, apart from its antiquity, has very rich value for the study of New Testament Philology; and also, may be used as material for the critical edition of Romans. The method used for the study is a philological analysis along with a comparative method. The two texts, which are taken for comparison are the edition work of Tedros Abraha and the modern published text. All verses of the texts were translated literally and were compared for their similarities and differences with critical observations. Regarding similarities, the entire chapters of Romans of the three texts deal with similar concepts. Concerning their differences, the ms of Hayq has sometimes independent characteristics, which were added by the first copyist. The latter corrections took place by the second copyist on the basis of these new readings. The corrections are made through the whole folios of the ms in different ways; but they have problems with meaning and grammar. The model, which is taken for the corrections, is the printed text or the ms that has similar readings with the printed text. The family and group of the ms are identified in the 14 mss edition of Tedros Abraha. The general assessment of the corrections shows that the new readings appeared with the first copyist and the second copyist recognized that these new readings are different from the common readings, which are accepted by the Church. So, he carried out the corrections, but he spoiled these valuable and precious manuscripts
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    Academic Freedom and the Idea Of University: A Philosophical Inquiry (with A Reflection on Addis Ababa University)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-10) Tamirat, Sisay; Kenaw, Setargew(PhD)
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    Action Research Practices in Teaching English as aForeign Language in Ethiopian Universities: Implications for Quality Language Teaching
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-07) Jebessa, Firdissa; Kebede, Seime (PhD); Bogale, Berhaltu(PhD)
    This study intended to investigate the extent to which EFL teachers in Ethiopian public universities know and practice act jon research to bring change and betterment of their practices and the quality of student learning. To this end, EFL teachers' action research knowledge, practice, change, environment; and perceived roles of action research for quality teaching have been addressed. lnasmuch as the English language is the medium of inSlnlction at uni versit ies in Ethiopia, and action research is catalyst for enhancing quality teaching and learning; linking and addressing the two epitomize the pragmatic assumption that it is whatever actually happens in the classroom that really makes a difference to the quality of student learning. The assumption is lUlderpinned by the perspective of reflective rationality, which supports the notion of empowering and committing the frontline implementers -teachers. in addressing the issue. a blend of both qualitative and quantitative methods was used following dominantly descriptive approach (at the reconnaissance stage), somewhat descriptive and more of exploratory approach (at the pilot stage), and both exploratory and explanatory approaches (during the main study). Data fo r the reconnaissance were collected through a questionnaire from 25 language instructors at AAU. The pilot study data were collected through questionnaires from 33 instructors and 104 students at Hawassa and Jimma Universities; through focused group discussions (FODs) with six EFL teachers at the two universities; and through interviews with three people at the Ministry of Education (MoE). Data fo r the main study were generated through questionnaires from 57 teachers and 214 students at Addis Ababa University (AAU), Bahir Dar University (BDU), and Haranlaya Univrsity (HarU); through interviews with eight persons (two each from the three universities and from MoE); and through FODs with 20 persons (7 each at AAU and BDU, and 6 at 1-larU)_ Whereas the data collected during the reconnaissance and the pilot study were analyzed by interspersing the qualitative data with the quantitative data, during the main study the analyses and interpretations were made separately both for the quantitative and the qualitative data. By way of mixing the results of the two in the Discussions Chapter, two purposes were achieved: producing more comprehensive answers to tbe research questions than they might appear separately, and triangulating the different data or results for va lidation purpose. Apart from this, a validation group of 7 EFL teachers at AAU participated in scrutinizing the research work right from the start and mai nly at cri tical stages (at proposal. pi lot, and main study). It has, therefore, been learnt that even though EFL teachers claimed to have high theoretical knowledge and medium practical skills of action research, their actual practice of it was little. Similarly. whereas the teachers' knowledge of action research coincidedwith the perspectives of reflective rationality as opposed to that of technical rationality (see Chapter Three Table 2), their laci/ knowing was the lowest rated in comparison with their reflection-on-action (Raa) and reflection-in-action (Ria). Similarly, whereas the power of action research for change and betterment was highly valued (pragmatic validity), a number of internal and external environmental facto rs have limited EFL teachers' practice of it. Equally in the journey of the research work, some doubts and debates had inspired me for further readings, explorations, and lessons. As a result. I have revitalized my earlier beliefs and perspectives that action research has got credibility, visibility, recognition, rigor and acceptance. My earlier over expectation of the practices of action research by EFL teachers, nonetheless, were abated. Equally, it has been learnt that the
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    African Philosophy in Black and White:Identity, Ideology and Discourse
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Chalchessa, Adugna; Gutema, Bekele (PhD)
    Contemporary African philosophy has been struggling with questions of identity and lack of direction since its inception. This is in part due to its unique position between two traditions, that of Africa and the West. These two traditions had shown considerable historical polarity that made it difficult to explicitly canonize and formulate an 'African' system of thought. In this sense, European discourse on Africa had been the main challenge, where the former continued to deny the latter recognition and inclusion. As it were, it undermined everything African and worked relentlessly to replace it. As a result, Africans were forced to prove the existence of philosophy in Africa. However, the very denial being political-ideological, along with the struggle for freedom, liberty and independence from slavery and colonialism, African intellectuals were engaged in this political-ideological struggle beyond an epistemic one. As a result, narratives such as Negritude, Afrocentrism, African personality, African Renaissance, etc., became essential narratives of African discourses. Even today, a century after the abolition of slavery and decades after independence, African thinkers remain trapped in the same conceptual and existential struggle against this history and its continued legacy. What is anAfrican philosophy? What do its content, form, method, etc., should look like? How can it make use of the two traditions to its own benefit? In this thesis, I will explore some historical backgrounds and current trends of this struggle. I will argue that the hitherto debates between African and European intellectuals externally and between Africans internally foundationally are continuations of the legacy of the racism and ideology of black-white dialectics. Though this dialectics is less important today, African philosophical practice has been unable to fully escape its shadow. As such, it needs a shift in method and direction that fits its unique nature, for which I introduced a new approach in this thesis –what I called a symbiotic-discourse. Key words: African philosophy, African identity, Afrocentrism, Negritude, conceptual decolonization, symbiosism
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    African Systems of Thought and Scientific Knowledge
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-11) Alem, Aderajew; Kenaw, Setargew(PhD)
    The thesis explores the nature of African systems of thought and their relation with scientific knowledge. These thought systems can be manifested in different practices in Africa. Some of them are religious and spiritual, others are also magico-religious and most others are scientific practices. By each one of these practices, Africans since antiquity are being supported and lead their lives. We can see, like medical practices of traditional African healers among other notable practices. But despite this fact, many scholars and thinkers both abroad and inside Africa have no inspiring and positive views about the meaningful efforts of Africans in areas of science and also philosophy. But I found that Africa does not deserve at least this derogatory labeling for all thought systems as mere superstition and magic, because it is the granary of different important scientific practices that have equal and sometimes better validity than the Western modern scientific practices in some areas like medicine. Therefore, this leads us to the idea that African efforts for science and technology is left aside and instead the spiritual and magical activities aretaken to the center as the major bodies of thought of Africans. So, in this thesis, I argued that there are valid and effective scientific practices both in the Ancient and the present timesalthough there has been many influences from the Western culture and science
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    Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic and its Implications for Environmental Conservation
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-07) Hailu, Andebet; Kelbessa, Workineh(PhD)
    In this thesis I employed a conceptual exploration and analysis of Aldo Leopold's land ethic (LE) to reveal my major assumption that the LE has practical and all inclusive implications to conserve the natural environment across the world by reducing destructive human-made interventions. The main objective is to reduce destructions of endangered species by promoting land conservation. I also investigated that the LE has positive contributions to create naturefriendly attitude among humans. Accordingly, this thesis is designed to critically explore and analyze the LE’s implications for the peaceful human-nature relationships by ecologically considering human species as plain members of nature without giving any privilege to humans. I argue that the LE is a key to raise awareness about the operation of nature by employing holistic ethical investigations that presuppose ecologically and ethically grounded land conservation. The land ethical conservation is significantly rooted in humans “enlightened self-interest” to the land that is essentially realized by the “ecological conscience”, the conscience to incorporate nature in ethical discussion. I also found that the LE has constructive and practical contributions for land conservation. Specially, based on the African idea of communal view of nature, I identified some common points between LE’s community concept and that of African communal view of nature. Accordingly, in Africa, nature is identified from “eco-bio-communitarian” point of view, which entails a peaceful interaction between all members of nature. Thus, I recognized that the fusion of LE and the African view of nature could imply constructive elements for a peaceful human-nature relationship. The thesis also specified basic lessons that environmental policy makers can learn from Leopold’s LE. Accordingly, to address my objectives, I basically employed ecological and philosophical concepts such as the community concept, land health, the land pyramid, evolutionary development of ethics and society, holistic valuation of nature and proper conservation education. These conceptual elements are critically reviewed and analyzed from relevant literatures in line with the formulated problem of the study. Thus, in this thesis I used critical analysis, conceptual descriptions and synthesis. Key words: ecological conscience, land community, land conservation, land ethic, land health, land pyramid, Leopold, nature
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    Analysis of State of Nature and Social Contract in Thomas Hobbes and John Locke
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-06) Assefa, Dagnachew; Alamineh, Mengistu (PhD)
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    An Analysis of the Idea of Alienation
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-11) Biruk, Million; Smith, Daniel (PhD)
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    Antecedents, Appraisal, Coping Strategies and Psychosocial Adjustment Among Cervical Cancer Patients in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study
    (Addis Ababa University, 2022-11-01) Anteneh Dirar; Wubegzier Mekonnen (Dr)
    Despite great developments in diagnostic and treatment modalities for cervical cancer, overall psychosocial adjustment difficulties lead to poor health outcomes and reduced adherence to therapy. Accordingly, this study assessed the antecedents, appraisal, coping strategies, and psychosocial adjustment among cervical cancer patients in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. A cross-sectional, mixed-method study design was employed. The quantitative study collected data from 299 women and analyzed using descriptive, correlation, multiple regression, and path analysis. The qualitative study collected data through in-depth interviews with 11 women and analyzed via thematic analysis. The quantitative study revealed that most women experienced significantly greater psychosocial adjustment difficulties. They appraise their illness as a threat and harm/loss than a challenge. The result indicated that uncertainty, self-efficacy, presence of meaning in life, harm/loss and challenge appraisal, problem-focused coping, and emotion focused coping strategies were significant predictors of psychosocial adjustment difficulty. Besides, the mediating role of cognitive appraisal and coping strategies in the association between antecedents and psychosocial adjustment was partially supported. The qualitative study findings indicated that women experienced a lack of satisfaction with health care, struggle in work and daily life, and financial difficulties. Women employed various strategies to cope with their illness such as accepting, diverting attention, and religiousness. They experienced delays in seeking medical care because of limited awareness and repeated practice of traditional rituals. Information and advice from health professionals were the most crucial support need identified. The integrated study findings show that women’s personal and environmental antecedents influence their appraisal and coping strategies, and consequently their psychosocial adjustment with diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Finally, it was recommended that cervical cancer treatment needs to integrate the psychological and social components of health. Also, expanding diagnostic and treatment facilities should be considered to help women access timely and cost-effective care.
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    A Berief Analysis of Immanuel Kant’s Ethical System: The Categorical Imperative
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-07) Tsehay, Abraham; Dewo, Tenna(PhD)
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    Biogas Technology Adoption and Its Contributions to Rural Livelihood and Environment in Northern Ethiopia, the Case of Ofla and Mecha Woredas
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-07) Getachew, Mulu; Simane, Belay (PhD)
    The implementation of domestic biogas technology programme at national level is a recent experience in Ethiopia. Consequently, there are limited empirical evidences concerning to both its dissemination and the overall impacts of the technology. Thus, this study examined the dissemination of biogas technology and its socio-economic and environmental impacts on the rural community in Northern Ethiopia. It employed a cross-sectional survey approach involving a total of 358 sample biogas user and non-user households. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were utilized. The study results showed that the major factors influencing households’ decisions on adoption of the technology include sex of the household head, educational level, cattle size, access to credit, income level, and the absence of biogas ‘injera’ stove. Various institutional problems like the existence of less suitable institutional structure, user training gaps, maintenance service gaps, and human resource gaps also hamper the pace of its dissemination. Besides, failure to incorporate biogas technology in the renewable energy list in documents like Energy Policy may negatively influence stakeholders’ commitment towards its development and dissemination. Nevertheless, the use of biogas technology has significant contributions in improving the lives of the rural people. It helps to reduce per capita energy consumption by 75.1 MJ per week. It significantly reduces fuelwood, dung fuel, and kerosene consumptions. It also improves health and sanitation as per the perception of the majority of the respondents. It minimizes the overall household workloads on average by 13.2 hours per week and significantly increases men’s involvement in the household chores. It helps to improve agricultural productivity through the use of bio-slurry and the labour saved. Fuel substitutions with biogas reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission on average by about 1.9 t of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per digester per year. It reduces the depletion of woody biomass through improving efficiency of energy use and energy substitutions, and hence increases carbon sequestration. Empowering females and female-headed households, improving educational levels of the household heads, raising income levels, improving access to credit, upgrading the existing biogas model through addition of ‘injera’ stove, and creating satisfied biogas users are likely to increase the adoption of biogas technology. The institutional structure should be increased to programme implementation, ‘woreda’, level. Standby biogas technicians who can give immediate maintenance services should be assigned at ‘woreda’ level in the earliest time possible. Biogas being a new technology to farmers, provision of timely user training to each biogas user household involving women and children should not be compromised. Incorporating biogas technology into energy policies, proclamations, and national development plants can positively push the stakeholders to give the necessary attention to its development and dissemination. To sustainably utilize the technology, maximize its benefits, and proliferate its expansions, non-operating and partially operating biogas plants should be repaired in the earliest time possible. People’s awareness about how to store and use bio-slurry should be raised. An operational platform for joint stakeholders’ actions should be in place to assist in exploiting its full potentials, and seeking and realizing the carbon reductionfinancial incentive
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    Birth Order Personality and Academic Achievement Motivation Among Addis Ababa University
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-06) Tarekegn, Ambachew; Asnake, Mulat
    This study is attempted to examine the effects of birth order on academic achievement motivation and personality. There has been a great debate among researchers regarding this area of concern. It is also one of the least researched areas in Ethiopian context; hence, it gave inspiration for the researcher to investigate the effects of birth order on academic achievement motivation and personality of Addis Ababa University Social Science College Students. The specific objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of birth order on academic achievement motivation and personality, to examine whether a relationship exist between personality and academic achievement motivation and to investigate whether gender difference exist in academic achievement motivation .To conduct the study, Survey research design was employed on 160 participants (104 male and 56 female) students from Social Science College took part in the study. A self report questionnaire with items background information and adopted tests that help to measure academic achievement motivation and personality was used. The reliability of the academic achievement motivation and personality were 0.723 and 0.871 respectively. Kruskal Wallis test,Man- Whitney U test and Spearman rho were employed to analyze the data. Results shows that birth order did not have statistically significant effect both on academic achievement motivation and personality. But there is a statistically significant relationship between personality and academic achievement motivation. Eventually, the researcher concludes that birth order does not have a significant effect both on academic achievement motivation and personality. There are many factors which may influence academic achievement motivation and personality of individuals there for, further comprehensive study is recommended
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    Causality, Rationality, and Mysticism: An Inquiry into Ghazali’s Theory of Knowledge.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2020-10) Yimer, Abdu; Kenaw, Dr. Setargew
    Philosophers have largely and unceasingly disputed the epistemological place of rationality and the relationship between observational causes and effects. The purpose of this study is to examine the epistemological relationality between Ghazali’s critique of the necessitarian notion of causality as well as pure rationality. Building upon, his emphasis in underlining the compatibility of the rational knowledge with the religious one, along with his introducement of secondary theory of causality, this study argues that, Ghazali never nullified observable causal relations and the role of reason in one’s epistemological search. Nevertheless, his critique of necessitarian causal nexuses resulted from his belief of creating an epistemic space for miracles on the one hand, and he also challenged the totalitarian place of rationality to create an epistemic space for the Sufi’s mystical experiences, on the other. This thesis will provide that, following his/her achievement of the hard task of polishing the heart, the Sufi saint could possibly acquire an epistemic state that transcends rationality and became able to perform some miracles that trespass the observable causal connections. Therefore, I situated the Sufi saints as a pivotal point within which the epistemological relationality takes place. Keywords: Causality, Miracles, Rationality, Sufi-experiences, Epistemic-relationality
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    The Compatibility of the Problem of Evil and the Existence of God
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Zewde, Yonas; Bernard, Christopher(PhD)
    If God exists, why does he allow little children to die of starvation? Why does he permit the earth quake? Why does he permit the rape? Why does he let babies to be born addicted to drugs? Why does God allow millions to die at the hands of wicked dictators? Why so many suffer from arthritis, cancer, or birth defects while others are healthy? Why does God permit any suffering at all? Elie Wiesel in his book entitled ―Night‖ tells us what he observed in a German concentration camp. The Nazis hanged two adults and a child. The two adults died quickly. The child, on the other hand, took longer: For more than half an hour he stayed there, struggling between life and death, dying slowly in agony under our eyes. And we had to look at him full in the face. He was still alive when I passed in front of him .His tongue was still red, his eyes were not yet glazed. Behind me, I heard the same man asking: ―Where is God now‖? Why does God permit suffering? This question is undeniable that, as novelist Peter De Vries puts it, ―the question mark turns like a fishhook in the human heart‖143The problem of evil has been a serious question among different Scholars, theologians and philosophers. Our feelings and perception of God will be different when we pass through suffering Meanwhile, where is God? This is one of the most disquieting symptoms. When you are happy, so happy that you have no sense of needing Him, if you turn to Him then with praise, you will be welcomed with open arms. But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain and what do you find? A door slammed in your face, and a sound of bolting on the inside. After that, silence. You may as well turn away
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    Conceptual Analysis on the Competing View of Social Contract Theory
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Desta, Hagos; Gutema, Bekele (PhD)
    The debate on the origin of state or political authority is one of the controversial issues in the subject matter of philosophy. Different theories explain the source of political authority in different perspectives. In this case social contract theory is the most dominant theory. The advocates of this theory assert that consent is the source of political authority. In other words, government comes through the agreement of the people. And a government is legitimate if and only if it comes through the consent of individuals. This has the implication that no has a natural right to rule others and no one has a natural duty to obey the rule of others outside of his or her consent. Even though the main exponents of this theory agreed on the idea that consent is the source of state authority, they differed on the issue that how and why people are consented to political authority. So, one purpose of this thesis is to propose the possibility for reconciling these antagonistic views of this theory. On the other hand, social contract theory as a whole faces a strong challenge and criticism from many perspectives. In this way David Hume is one of the philosophers who question the legitimacy of social contract theory in explaining the origin of government. Hume argued that social contract theory is illegitimate mechanism to explain the reason why and a government is originated. Based on Hume’s criticism, in this thesis I defend the legitimacy of social contract theory to explain the origin of political authority. Therefore in this thesis my aim is two-fold. First, to propose the possibility of reconciling the competing views of social contract theory and to show whether social contract theory is legitimate mechanism to explain the emergence of state authority
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    Conceptualization of Mental illness and Treatment practice among Traditional Healers at Gondar city
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Desalegn, Ashenafi; Wuhib, Tigist (PhD)
    The aim of the study was to explore traditional healers’ conception and treatment practice concerning mental illness. To achieve this aim qualitative approach was employed because the study was exploratory in nature, since much has not been done about the topic and population being studied. The researcher, therefore, sought information and built a picture based on participants’ idea. The study was conducted at Gondar city located in Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. The population in this study comprise of traditional healers who are located at Gondar city. Purposive sampling was employed to select eight traditional healers and two clients. Semi structured interview and non participant observation were used to collect data. All the interviews were conducted by the researcher and audio-taped. The observation was also conducted by the researcher. Initial/open, axial, and selective coding types were conducted to condense the huge data and made fit into the preconceived themes. Thematic analysis is the particular data analysis technique used in the study. Themes that have actual and/or potential relationship with the overarching objective are selected and discussed. The study concludes that Traditional healers are able to recognize disorders related to psychosis easily being limited for other mental disorders; They have multiple explanation about causes of mental illness, including; supernatural, biological and psychosocial explanations. Traditional healers employ different techniques for diagnosing mental disorders including; Different religious books like Awed Negest; through symptom identification and by using different herbal medicines. It is also found that traditional healers employ different treatment modalities as an intervention for mental disorders including: herbal medicines, spiritual interventions, traditional rituals and counseling
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    The Conflict in South Sudan: Challenges to the Igad-Led Peace Process From 2013 To 2019
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Addam, Alexander; Terefe (PhD), Fekade
    South Sudan became an independent state in July 9, 2011, following an internationally monitored referendum, which was held on 9 January. However, almost after three years of independence, the world newest state backslide into the horrific civil war on 15, December 2013. The 2013 outbreak of violence in South Sudan underscores the importance of a number of factors as critical to stable peace, including conducting a thorough analysis on the structural and triggering factors, the challenges of the IGAD-Led peace process and the role of external actors in peace and conflict dynamics since the onset of the armed conflict. This paper argues that although ethnicity is a contributing factor to the crisis in South Sudan, the characterization of the conflict as an ethnic crisis is insufficient and simplistic, shortsighted and overlooks many of the underlying complexities of conflict dynamics. In addition to this, this paper argues that the problems and challenges that underlie the recent IGAD-Led South Sudan peace process have not been adequately dealt with, despite existing opportunities to address it. Moreover, the researcher strongly argues that when a country is in a state of flux, conflict offers opportunities for external actors to secure, protect or advance their own interests. Therefore, the overall objective of the study is to provide an overview of the relations between the genesis of the conflict, the mediation process and the impact of external actors on the mediated settlements in South Sudan since 2013. To address these issues, the study employed qualitative research methodology. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data collected through key informant interview to make use of its advantage in gaining detailed information about the issue, to examine reflections, understandings and knowledge of informants by offering an in-depth understanding of a particular problem and challenges. To substantiate and supplement the primary data, the thesis also used secondary data collected from books, journal articles, proceedings, newspaper, published and unpublished materials, governmental and non-governmental organization reports and remarks, magazines and other internet sources. Given the data gathered are qualitative, the study employed qualitative data analysis techniques. Key Terms: Conflict, Conflict Resolution, IGAD, Mediation, Regional Dynamics, External Actors
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    Content Analysis of Mashafa Mawalyet
    (Addis Ababa University, 2012-07) Akal, Berhanu; Alehegn, Mersha (PhD)
    The aim of this study is to analyze the content of Mawaílet which is a level of knowledge given in the ecclesiastical curriculum of Ethiopia. This knowledge is given by a book titled the Book of Mäwaíé’t which is believed to be authored by St. Yared in the 6th century. This study will help readers to know about the content of the Book of Mäwaíé’t and its practice in the church. It is believed to bring a new insight for further researcher in the ecclesiastical tradition in general and the liturgical texts in particular. The paper is framed to have four chapters. The first chapter is devoted to have some background notes about the famous monastery of Zur‟abba Arägawi Sérha Arym, the place where the tradition is believed to have been established by St. Yared and the King (Gäbrä Mäsqäl) and the Saints (Abba ’Arägawi and St Yared) who accompanied him to the monastery. The second chapter discusses about the origin and development of the hymn, its ecclesiastic tradition, the generation of the teachers to date. The third chapter, which is the main body of the research, presents the content analysis. The final chapter contains the conclusion remarks and glossary of terms which are used in the school
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    The Contribution of African Philosophy in Challenging Western Hegemony and Globalization
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-08) Abneh, Getye; Gutema, Bekele (PhD)
    The purpose of this thesis is to explore the contribution of African philosophy in challenging the impacts of Western hegemony and globalization on Africa. Since Western philosophy claims the “universality” of its philosophy, culture, science and technology, some racist Western philosophers pledge to provide this to Africa as part of their “civilizing mission” because they argue that Africa has no civilization. Nowadays, this notion, supported by globalization, assumes a hegemonic place in Africa. The thesis, examines the impacts of globalization which has increased the cultural, political and economic problems of the continent which require the contribution of African philosophy to be resolved. In so doing, qualitative method is used by analyzing relevant secondary sources collected from books, book sections, and journal articles. The thesis argued that African philosophy as such uses critical analysis, synthesis, and criticism to resolve problems facing the people of the continent. So, the African philosophical approach should be used to sort out and do away with African problems. Most importantly, recognizing and grabbing the contributions of African traditional values and thoughts that can go hand in hand with the achievements of globalization is vital, for Western science and technology alone are so local, and not enough for the betterment of Africa. Based on this, the thesis suggested that both the West and Africa should take part in cross-cultural communications so as to create understanding about the pluralistic nature of cultures and the significance of African traditional values and thoughts. This, in turn, empowers African philosophers, the people, governments, and concerned bodies to work on Africanization via rediscovering African identity. Keywords: African Philosophy, Western Philosophy, civilizing mission, Westernization, Globalization, Intercultural approach, Africanization
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    The Contribution of Pan-Africanism for the Development of African Philosophy
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Gashaw, Tsegaye; Gutema, Bekele (PhD)
    The purpose of this thesis is to critically examine the contributions of Pan-Africanism for the development of African philosophy. Due to European contacts since the time of slavery, Africa had been losing its human, material, spiritual and historical resources. Following this Europeans denied the contributions and humanity of blacks. Accordingly, Pan-Africanism emerged as a means of searching for black identity and emancipation from the veils of colonial oppression. In the course of this movement, many conferences were held. But, the Manchester congress opened a new chapter in the history of Pan-Africanism. It laid a foundation for political independence and the emergence of the OAU. Moreover, this thesis has discussed the Pan-African philosophy of outstanding black scholars from Western world and Africa. They have been discussing the problems of blacks. While doing so, they made critical reflections on the history, culture and philosophy of ancient Africans in response to western offences. In this antagonism, I think a new approach in the study of African philosophy was opened. This shift towards self as I believe is in the making. Lastly, despite the challenges in the course of Pan-Africanism and in the study of African philosophy, African philosophers shall begin doing their philosophy by considering indigenous knowledge and current African contexts in relation with the global realities. Key words: Philosophy