Over the past few decades, there has been much effort put forth by philosophers to answer the question, "Is there an African philosophy?" Bruce B. Janz boldly changes this central question to "What is it to do philosophy in this (African) place?" in Philosophy in an African Place. Janz argues that African philosophy has spent a lot of time trying to define what African philosophy is, and in doing so has ironically been unable to properly conceptualize African lived experience. He goes on to claim that such conceptualization can only occur when the central question is changed from the spatial to a new, platial one. Philosophy in an African Place both opens up new questions within the field, and also establishes "philosophy-in-place", a mode of philosophy which begins from the places in which concepts have currency and shows how a truly creative philosophy can emerge from focusing on questioning, listening, and attending to difference. This innovative new approach to African philosophy will be useful not only to African and African-American philosophers, but also to scholars interested in any cultural, intercultural, or national philosophical projects.
Les mer
Chapter 1. Introduction: Philosophy-in-Place Chapter 2. Tradition in the Periphery Chapter 3. Questioning Reason Chapter 4. "Wisdom Is Actually Thought" Chapter 5. Culture and the Problem of Universality Chapter 6. Listening to Language Chapter 7. Practicality: African Philosophy's Debts and Duties Chapter 8. Locating African Philosophy
Les mer
Clear and systematic, empathetic and well thought out, this is, without doubt, one of the best introductions to a contemporary African practice of Philosophy.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780739136683
Publisert
2009-09-24
Utgiver
Vendor
Lexington Books
Vekt
592 gr
Høyde
240 mm
Bredde
162 mm
Dybde
24 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
286

Forfatter

Biographical note

Bruce B. Janz is chair of the department of philosophy at the University of Central Florida.