History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China

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.

Explore the life of 17th-century Ethiopian philosopher Zera Yacob, a pioneer of modern Africana thought. Discover the influence of religious debates and Jesuit missionaries on his ideas. Dive into Zera Yacob's personal struggles and philosophical reflections on God, intelligence, and the nature of truth. Unpack his critiques of traditional practices, advocating for equality and rational inquiry. This episode reveals a compelling journey of thought against a backdrop of rich and complex historical conflicts in Ethiopia.

Exploring early Ethiopian philosophy, Greek influence in Ethiopia, the translation of Greek texts into Ethiopian languages, the introduction of Physiologus to Ethiopia, the historical and philosophical significance of the Kebra Nagast, and the fusion of ancient wisdom and Christian beliefs in Ethiopian philosophy.

Egyptioogist Richard Parkinson joins us to talk about the context and meaning of the Eloquent Peasant and other literary works of ancient Egypt.

Demands for ma’at (justice or truth) and a confrontation with the soul, in the Tale of the Eloquent Peasant and Dispute Between a Man and his Ba.