Eurocentric dominance in philosophy challenged in new book

‘Doing African Philosophy’ by Dr Elvis Imafidon, Head of the School of History, Religions and Philosophies explores the voices, agency and narratives of African thought across time and history.

The monograph interrogates the dominance of individual authorship and textuality in how language is preserved and shared. Relying on philosophical heritages from traditions and cultures across Africa, Dr Imafidon highlights a variety of oral, symbolic and textual ways in which philosophy is practiced and critiqued and thus challenges the Eurocentric dominance in philosophy as a discipline.

Doing African Philosophy challenges the Eurocentric dominance in philosophical discourse by questioning the coloniality of the discipline. 

Paying close attention to the Binis and Esans in Southern Nigeria, the Akans and Gas in Ghana, the Shonas in Zimbabwe, and the Zulu people in South Africa, Dr Imafidon affirms the place of orality, symbolic art and different indigenous methods for philosophising.

Speaking on the book, Dr Imafidon said: 

“The monograph challenges the Eurocentric dominance in philosophical discourse by questioning the coloniality of the discipline. It highlights the richness and contribution of African philosophy to the global tradition of philosophy through both written, oral and symbolic traditions, emphasising the equal relevance of collective authorship and group agency in the production of knowledge.”

Dr Elvis Imafidon's expertise is in African philosophy broadly construed, and key research areas include theoretical and thematic issues in ontology, ethics and epistemology in African traditions often in critical dialogue with Western philosophy. ‘Doing African Philosophy’ is now available.