History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China

Phillis Wheatley astonishes colonial Americans with her exquisite and precocious poetry and reflects on the liberating power of the imagination.

Explore the intricate world of early Africana writing in English, where 18th-century black authors weave profound philosophical themes into autobiographical narratives and poetry. Discover the tragicomic elements in slave narratives that played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement. Engage with the poignant stories of literacy and identity from enslaved individuals, and hear the voices of early African American literature, like Jupiter Hammond, tackling complex themes of faith and survival amidst oppression.

Justin E.H. Smith joins us to discuss Anton Wilhelm Amo against the background of ideas about race in early modern philosophy, including Leibniz.

Anton Wilhelm Amo, brought to Germany from his native Ghana, defends a rigorous dualism of mind and body. Was this philosophy connected to his African origins?

An introduction to Africana philosophical thought as it emerged from the modern experience of slavery and colonization by Europeans.

Co-host Chike Jeffers and Peter chat about the themes and questions raised by the podcast so far.

Delve into the intriguing concept of group agency, unraveling how collective actions shape accountability. Discover the vibrant tensions in African philosophy, where traditional and modern ideas collide. Hear about a Beninese philosopher's journey of transformation amidst political chaos, emphasizing tradition's delicate dance with individualism. Unpack the necessity of ethno-philosophy in appreciating complex cultures and the vital role of precolonial wisdom, urging a return to cultural identity and the richness of oral traditions.

Kai Kresse, a Professor of social and cultural anthropology, discusses the anthropology of philosophy focused on the Swahili Coast. He delves into how cultural practices shape philosophical thought and the interplay between folk and sage philosophers. The conversation highlights the linguistic nuances of wisdom in Arabic and Swahili, revealing the impact of oral traditions on philosophical discourse. Kresse also advocates for inclusivity in philosophy, urging a broader perspective that embraces diverse global traditions.

Henry Odera Oruka, a philosopher known for his method of exploring African philosophy through interviews with wise individuals, discusses the concept of wisdom in African traditions, challenges stereotypes about African philosophical abilities, and compares African sages to ancient Greek philosophers.

African philosopher Paulin Hountondji criticizes ethnophilosophy, pushing for a universalist approach. The podcast discusses the misrepresentation of Ethnophilosophy in academia, the reaction against it in African philosophy, and the evolution towards a more modern approach in the field.