History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China

The podcast delves into African concepts of personhood, challenging mind-body assumptions. It explores dualistic beliefs in Akan and Yoruba cultures, delving into Emi, Ori, and Okan. The discussion extends to individual duality in Greek and African traditions, emphasizing the importance of ancestors. The complexity of spirit possession and identity in African philosophy is also examined.

Delve into the complexity of traditional African religious beliefs, challenging misconceptions about monotheism. Explore the divine hierarchy in Yoruba beliefs and the concept of God in African philosophy. Uncover the evolution of African religious beliefs influenced by external cultures and delve into the significance of the afterlife in African philosophy.

John Mbiti discusses African philosophy of time, highlighting the traditional African view of time with a long past, a present, and virtually no future. The podcast explores contrasting perspectives on time between African and Western societies, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time in ancient civilizations like Egypt and the fluid African concept of time through concrete events and cultural perspectives.

Sam Imbo discusses the significance of oral traditions in African philosophy, focusing on Ugandan poet Okot p'Bitek's life and ideals. They debate the use of oral vs written texts, explore traditional vs Western values, and delve into women's roles in oral traditions.

An introduction to the “ethnophilosophy” approach inaugurated by Placide Tempels, its promises and potential pitfalls.

Peter speaks to Souleymane Bachir Diagne about Islamic scholars in West Africa.

Uthman Dan Fodio and his family were scholars, poets, and warriors whose jihad in 19th century Nigeria created the Sokoto Caliphate.

Explore the fascinating journey of Islamic scholarship in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the vibrant interactions between Islamic culture and local traditions. Discover how names and etymology reflect deep historical ties. Dive into the complexities of the Songhai Empire, featuring key figures like Askiya Muhammad and Ahmad Baba, who challenged societal norms and contributed to race discourse. Uncover the dynamic interplay of rational thought and faith, alongside the impact of Islamic uprisings and the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Teodros Kiros, an Associate Professor of Philosophy with a focus on political philosophy and Ethiopian thought, takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the history of Ethiopian philosophy. He critiques conventional views of development, emphasizing sociocultural values over mere economic growth. Kiros also explores the fusion of Western and Ethiopian philosophical traditions, the significance of emotional depth alongside rationality, and the evolving landscape of social ethics in modern Ethiopian thought. It’s a rich dialogue about identity, justice, and culture.

Walda Heywat’s reaction to the thought of his teacher Zera Yacob, and the dispute over the authenticity of these two Ethiopian philosophers.