#africa #philosophy #knowledgehow African traditional religions and philosophies differ from Western ones.Africa is a continent with rich and diverse cultures. It has a diverse range of religions and philosophies. Some of these religions and philosophies are different from Western ones. Below are some of the key differences between African and Western religions and philosophies.What makes a philosophy African? The first thing to know is that more than three decades of debate ended with the affirmation that African philosophy does exist.------------- Chapters -----------------0:00 - How African traditional religions and philosophies differ from Western ones0:25 - What makes a philosophy African?01:04 - African Philosophy as an Extension of Western Philosophy02:37 - African Philosophy as an Independent System of Thought 03:44 - On God 05:53 - On Human Nature06:23 - On African Traditional Religions09:04 - Ancestors and their role in religion11:44 - ConclusionThe debate on the status of African philosophy has been a long-standing one. On the one hand, some have argued that African philosophy does not exist and that it is a contradiction in terms. On the other hand, others have argued that African philosophy is merely an extension of Western philosophy. For them, Africa has yet to produce a philosophical tradition of its own.African Philosophy as an Extension of Western PhilosophyIn this line of thought, African philosophers are seen as mere followers or imitators of Western philosophers. There are no genuine African philosophical traditions. Because Africa has never had an indigenous system of thought, with its own originality and creativity. It is argued that the very notion of “African philosophy” is problematic. Because it implies that there exists such a thing as “Western philosophy” and “non-Western philosophy”. where “Western” refers to European or some other non-African concepts and ideas, which are assumed to be universal. And “non-Western” refers to any concept or idea that is not Western.It is also argued that there are no non-Western philosophers. Because every philosopher is necessarily a Westerner. This is because whatever a philosopher may say, he says it from within the framework of a particular culture and tradition. And this framework remains Western. It is argued that there can be no philosophy outside the West because the very notion of philosophy requires the existence of a rational or logical system of thought based on the principle of non-contradiction. This principle is said to have been formulated by Aristotle in his Metaphysics. Hence, it follows that any philosopher who does not accept this principle as valid cannot be a genuine philosopher.African Philosophy as an Independent System of Thought with its Own Originality and CreativityIn this line of thought, African philosophy exists because Africa has always had its own indigenous philosophical traditions which are unique to Africa. These traditions have been the product of African creativity and are not the result of any influences from outside. In this regard, African philosophy may be said to be an independent system of thought with its own originality and creativity.This view is based on what is called “the principle of historical particularism”. The principle states that a philosophical system cannot be judged in isolation. For example from its cultural and historical context. In other words, a philosopher’s ideas cannot be separated from his cultural background or social environment. Hence, it follows that African philosophy cannot be understood apart from its specific historical, cultural, and social context.It is argued that the concept of God as Creator does not exist in traditional African thought. That it was borrowed from Christianity by some European scholars who misinterpreted African traditional beliefs about God or gods as monotheistic beliefs in one universal God who created the world ex nihilo (out of nothing). The same holds true for the concept of human nature as “ rational”, which is said to be an idea borrowed from the European Enlightenment.These ideas were then used to argue that Africans have no philosophy in their own right. The truth is that Africans do have a concept of God as Creator, but it is different from the concept of God as Creator of the Christian tradition. And Africans do not consider humans to be “rational”, but they do recognize that humans can think and reason.

Description: Scholars Dr. Julius Garvey and Robin Walker with Dr Joyce King, discuss dynamic methods and modulates to best take Black Education and Studies forward, at multiple levels, including the Academic and Community level. The importance of bridging the cultural language gaps between English, Francophile and Spain speaking worlds is keenly sited, as such cultural and intellectual ‘cross pollination’ often brings new insights and ideas to the fore that often wouldn’t be achieved otherwise. Dr Joyce King gives a beauty example of this, recanting when a Brazilian friend and academic on a tour of Egypt they both took together, discovered and observed that the historic place name where an iconic Ancient Temple was located, called ‘Dendera’ bore many similarities to the name of the Palmares Legend and wife of King Zumbi, the iconic Afro Brazilian freedom fighter called ‘Dandara’( the spelling is slightly different, but the pronunciation from the locals was reminiscent ). Something that someone with a different cultural background might not have picked up so easily. On another note, that example also beautifully alludes to the cultural continuity of African brilliance and resilience across time, space, the seven seas and continents across the globe.About the Podcast: In this Revolutionary Podcast series of conversations, the son of the late great Marcus Garvey, the venerable Dr Julius Garvey shares and explores deep thought ideas and concepts with Robin Walker ( The Black History Man ) about the relevance and need for Pan Africanist principles today. How we can utilise and apply them effectively to uplift the Black Diaspora worldwide to bring about the change we need in this modern day and age. In the Principle of ‘Sankofa’ ( Looking back and Remembering ) the African origins and contributions to History, Politics, cooperative Economics, Religion, Science and Technology and Philosophy are explored in depth to inform the listener about the immense achievements of the Black Diaspora as a collective, and to show how we can apply unique African thought concepts and philosophies to our own lives as individuals and communities and to continually progress and improve ourselves as a ‘People’ in the present and the future for the better. Support the Cause: While we feel the best way to support The Black Secret is to subscribe to us and learn the finest Black History & African Heritage course available online. You can also support our work by making donations through our PayPal link. Funds raised this way will help us to grow and develop more great free content for our YouTube and social media channels. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TheBlackSecret #africa #africanhistory #garvey #history #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #robinwalker #juliusgarvey #education #pyschology #philosophy #africaget your copy of the Amazing Free E-book: 100 Black History Facts Here: https://www.theblacksecret.co.....uk/youtube-e-book-la If you haven't joined The Black Secret, consider signing up today at: The Black Secret is the finest Black History & African Heritage course online. https://www.theblacksecret.co.uk Get 20% Off first Month's subscription with Discount Code: GARVEYTV20 Subscribe to watch more Pan Africanism Today & Black Secret videos: