AN APPRAISAL OF KWASI WIREDU’S PHILOSOPHY OF CULTURE

By

Elijah Okon John

&

Samuel Eno Inyang

Department of Philosophy

University of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

This  study critically analyzed Kwasi Wiredu’s philosophy of culture, for its uniqueness in dealing with the interplay between tradition and modernization. Wiredu stresses that it is important to critically analyze traditional African cultural practices in terms of problems brought about by globalization and modernization. . In a sense, Wiredu’s work was to refute western anthropologists’ ethnocentric assertions that assume that Africans do not have logical contemplations couched in language, intelligence, and lack clear sense of self except that which can be characterized as primitive. This study  utilizes the qualitative method  of  critical analysis of Wiredu’s perspective and opinions regarding what informs African Philosophy and culture in the truest sense of the word. The study  concludes that African cultures can develop and improve without losing their basic values and thus, opening a possibility for a rich and prosperous future despite the presence of other complementary cultures.