AFRICAN CULTURES AND THOUGHT SYSTEMS IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD
Jude Emeka Odoh 1
Florence Eke Adejoh 2
Jetty Joe Odey 3
State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Nigeria 1
Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 2 & 3
Corresponding E-mail: jettyjoeodey@gmail.com 3
Abstract
In the age of enlightenment, there was the erroneous claim by certain Western philosophers that there is only one philosophy which implies only one civilization and valid cultural values coming from the Euro-West. This claim denigrates and relegates the place of Africans, Asians and other colonized people to the cadre of nonhumans or animals who act from the place of irascible concupiscence as against a proper rational standpoint. It is against this background that this paper aims to demonstrate that Africans are not only humans but have rich philosophies and culture. Hence, there is need for an investigation of African worldviews and thought systems with the aim of finding the implications and relevance therein to apply them to the globalized modern world. Employing the philosophical method of analysis, the paper argues that Africans are not only humans but have rich philosophy and cultural values that are relevant to this globalized world. In fact, their worldviews and thought systems are replete with the values of unity, solidarity, interconnectedness and holistic harmony that are founded on rich philosophical systems.
Keywords: Interculturality, Philosophy, African Thought Systems, Globalization.
