The debate on philosophy in Africa is particularly interesting since it appears to call for a redefinition of the very concept of philosophy. This question is even more pressing as we enter the domain of discourses in African languages, because many of them lack both the word and a specific area of intellectual discourse that would correspond to “philosophy”. The lecture outlines the discussion on African philosophy and isolates several types of theoretical and artistic discourses in African languages. It suggests philosophical thought in Africa can be found in such discourses and exposes the topical relevance of African philosophical ideas both in the context of intellectual discussions and in social and political life.

Alena Rettova: lehrt am Department of Languages and Cultures of Africa an der SOAS in London.