The Contribution of African Philosophy in Challenging Western Hegemony and Globalization
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
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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Keywords
African Philosophy, Western Philosophy, Civilizing Mission, Globalization