R&L Logo R&L Logo
  • GENERAL
    • Browse by Subjects
    • New Releases
    • Coming Soon
    • Chases's Calendar
  • ACADEMIC
    • Textbooks
    • Browse by Course
    • Instructor's Copies
    • Monographs & Research
    • Reference
  • PROFESSIONAL
    • Education
    • Intelligence & Security
    • Library Services
    • Business & Leadership
    • Museum Studies
    • Music
    • Pastoral Resources
    • Psychotherapy
  • FREUD SET
Cover Image
Paperback
share of facebook share on twitter
Add to GoodReads

An Introduction to African Philosophy

Sam O. Imbo

Organized topically rather than historically, this book provides an excellent introduction to the subject of African Philosophy. Samuel Oluoch Imbo synthesizes the ideas of key African philosophers into an accessible narrative. The author focuses on five central questions: What are the definitions of African philosophy? Is ethno-philosophy really philosophy? What are the dangers of an African philosophy that claims to be 'unique'? Can African philosophy be done in foreign languages such as English and French? Are there useful ways to make connections between African philosophy, African American philosophy, and women's studies? By making cross-disciplinary and transnational connections, Imbo stakes out an important place for African philosophy. Imbo's book is an invaluable introduction to this dynamic and growing area of study.
  • Details
  • Details
  • Author
  • Author
  • Reviews
  • Reviews
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 176 • Trim: 6 x 9
978-0-8476-8841-8 • Paperback • March 1998 • $50.00 • (£38.00)
Subjects: Philosophy / History & Surveys / General
Samuel Oluoch Imbo is assistant professor of philosophy at Hamline University in Minnesota.
Throughout the book, Imbo's choice of issues and exposition of pro and con positions is excellent. He writes clearly and without jargon. As a concise and readable introduction to African philosophy, I can think of no better text.
— Albert Mosley, professor of philosophy, Smith College; Teaching Philosophy


Scholars in history, literature and cultural studies should find this book very useful as both a teaching tool and reference tool . . . There is essentially no work like this. It should have wide market appeal and be useable in a wide variety of academic contexts. The study questions at the end of each chapter are really useful.
— Bill E. Lawson, Michigan State University


A helpful companion to any of the excellent anthologies currently available. It would fill a gap for a brief accessible introductory text. There is no other text I know of that does what this author does at the introductory level . . . The book could be used in any of these courses: Topics in African Philosophy, and African-American Philosophy . . .
— Jeffrey Crawford, Central State University


Well organized. . .
— T.L. Lott, San Jose State University; Choice Reviews, February, 1999, Vol. 36, N0. 6


As an introductory text to African philosopy, Imbo's book is commendable for two reasons. First, it has great simplicity, clarity, and elegance. Second, it panoramically explores, analyzes, and synthesizes several key issues within African philosophy. . . . Imbo's volume will be an indispensible companion for those studying African philosophy and a necessary addition for any library monitoring the subject.
— F. Ochieng-Odhiambo, University of Nairobi; International Philosophical Quarterly


Dr. Imbo's book provides a thoughtful survey of the controversies regarding the nature of African philosophy that have been raging among African philosophers in the last thirty years or so. The writing is clear and the approach, by comparison with some of the literature covered, calm . . . This book should give students a smooth introduction to the study of African philosophy and supply scholars with considerable food for thought.
— Kwasi Wiredu, University of South Florida


An introduction, but a rich one in that it gives the reader a good insight into the many problems and different aspects which touch on African Philosophy.
— HH; Theology In Context


A provocative and well-written book. This book is highly reccomened.
— International Journal of African Historical Studies


Imbo's book does an excellent job of linking questions that have had their origins in the study of African philosophy to questions about the nature of philosophy in general. Imbo's book takes up an impressive array of questions, introduces readers to debates about nature of the philosophy generally, and deals openly and refreshingly with the political implications of the topics it takes up. Imbo's book is to be admired for its innovative treatment of the commonalities between African and feminist philosophy. His book itself is a political statement: it is calling for a place for African philosophy in the profession and the teaching of philosophy. And it recognizes that in demanding a place for African philosophy, we are ultimately asking "philosophy" to open doors not only to us but to the many philosophies and points of view it has previously excluded.
— Journal of African Philosophy


The book includes useful study questions at the end of each chapter, and should make a fine text for a variety of courses.
— Philosophy East and West


A particularly welcome addition. It sets out to constitute an undergraduate introduction, and is accordingly equipped with Study Questions, which will inevitably prompt students to further thought and reading.
— Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security


An Introduction to African Philosophy

Cover Image
Paperback
Summary
Summary
  • Organized topically rather than historically, this book provides an excellent introduction to the subject of African Philosophy. Samuel Oluoch Imbo synthesizes the ideas of key African philosophers into an accessible narrative. The author focuses on five central questions: What are the definitions of African philosophy? Is ethno-philosophy really philosophy? What are the dangers of an African philosophy that claims to be 'unique'? Can African philosophy be done in foreign languages such as English and French? Are there useful ways to make connections between African philosophy, African American philosophy, and women's studies? By making cross-disciplinary and transnational connections, Imbo stakes out an important place for African philosophy. Imbo's book is an invaluable introduction to this dynamic and growing area of study.
Details
Details
  • Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
    Pages: 176 • Trim: 6 x 9
    978-0-8476-8841-8 • Paperback • March 1998 • $50.00 • (£38.00)
    Subjects: Philosophy / History & Surveys / General
Author
Author
  • Samuel Oluoch Imbo is assistant professor of philosophy at Hamline University in Minnesota.
Reviews
Reviews
  • Throughout the book, Imbo's choice of issues and exposition of pro and con positions is excellent. He writes clearly and without jargon. As a concise and readable introduction to African philosophy, I can think of no better text.
    — Albert Mosley, professor of philosophy, Smith College; Teaching Philosophy


    Scholars in history, literature and cultural studies should find this book very useful as both a teaching tool and reference tool . . . There is essentially no work like this. It should have wide market appeal and be useable in a wide variety of academic contexts. The study questions at the end of each chapter are really useful.
    — Bill E. Lawson, Michigan State University


    A helpful companion to any of the excellent anthologies currently available. It would fill a gap for a brief accessible introductory text. There is no other text I know of that does what this author does at the introductory level . . . The book could be used in any of these courses: Topics in African Philosophy, and African-American Philosophy . . .
    — Jeffrey Crawford, Central State University


    Well organized. . .
    — T.L. Lott, San Jose State University; Choice Reviews, February, 1999, Vol. 36, N0. 6


    As an introductory text to African philosopy, Imbo's book is commendable for two reasons. First, it has great simplicity, clarity, and elegance. Second, it panoramically explores, analyzes, and synthesizes several key issues within African philosophy. . . . Imbo's volume will be an indispensible companion for those studying African philosophy and a necessary addition for any library monitoring the subject.
    — F. Ochieng-Odhiambo, University of Nairobi; International Philosophical Quarterly


    Dr. Imbo's book provides a thoughtful survey of the controversies regarding the nature of African philosophy that have been raging among African philosophers in the last thirty years or so. The writing is clear and the approach, by comparison with some of the literature covered, calm . . . This book should give students a smooth introduction to the study of African philosophy and supply scholars with considerable food for thought.
    — Kwasi Wiredu, University of South Florida


    An introduction, but a rich one in that it gives the reader a good insight into the many problems and different aspects which touch on African Philosophy.
    — HH; Theology In Context


    A provocative and well-written book. This book is highly reccomened.
    — International Journal of African Historical Studies


    Imbo's book does an excellent job of linking questions that have had their origins in the study of African philosophy to questions about the nature of philosophy in general. Imbo's book takes up an impressive array of questions, introduces readers to debates about nature of the philosophy generally, and deals openly and refreshingly with the political implications of the topics it takes up. Imbo's book is to be admired for its innovative treatment of the commonalities between African and feminist philosophy. His book itself is a political statement: it is calling for a place for African philosophy in the profession and the teaching of philosophy. And it recognizes that in demanding a place for African philosophy, we are ultimately asking "philosophy" to open doors not only to us but to the many philosophies and points of view it has previously excluded.
    — Journal of African Philosophy


    The book includes useful study questions at the end of each chapter, and should make a fine text for a variety of courses.
    — Philosophy East and West


    A particularly welcome addition. It sets out to constitute an undergraduate introduction, and is accordingly equipped with Study Questions, which will inevitably prompt students to further thought and reading.
    — Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security


ALSO AVAILABLE

  • Cover image for the book Problems from Philosophy: An Introductory Text, Fourth Edition
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Descartes and Cartesian Philosophy, Third Edition
  • Cover image for the book Movements of Thought: Ludwig Wittgenstein's Diary, 1930–1932 and 1936–1937
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of the Enlightenment, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Reading Continental Philosophy and the History of Thought
  • Cover image for the book The Ethics and Mores of Race: Equality after the History of Philosophy, with a New Preface
  • Cover image for the book Perspectives on Trust in the History of Philosophy
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Leibniz's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Foucault's Critical Philosophy of History: Unfolding the Present
  • Cover image for the book A History of Habit: From Aristotle to Bourdieu
  • Cover image for the book The World of the Imagination: Sum and Substance, 25th Anniversary Edition
  • Cover image for the book Aristotle's Ethics: Critical Essays
  • Cover image for the book The Poverty of Anti-realism: Critical Perspectives on Postmodernist Philosophy of History
  • Cover image for the book Hannah Arendt and the History of Thought
  • Cover image for the book The Philosophical Child
  • Cover image for the book Reconstructing the Personal Library of William James: Markings and Marginalia from the Harvard Library Collection
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Nietzscheanism, Third Edition
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Hume's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Kierkegaard's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Uncommon Sense: The Strangest Ideas from the Smartest Philosophers
  • Cover image for the book What the Tortoise Taught Us: The Story of Philosophy
  • Cover image for the book Towards a Realist Philosophy of History
  • Cover image for the book Science at the Frontiers: Perspectives on the History and Philosophy of Science
  • Cover image for the book Rethinking Fanon: The Continuing Dialogue
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Heidegger's Philosophy, Third Edition
  • Cover image for the book Reading Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations: A Beginner's Guide
  • Cover image for the book The Empiricists: Critical Essays on Locke, Berkeley, and Hume
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Heidegger's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Kant's Critique of Pure Reason: Critical Essays
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Schopenhauer's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book The Antipodean Philosopher: Public Lectures on Philosophy in Australia and New Zealand, Volume 1
  • Cover image for the book Descartes's Meditations: Critical Essays
  • Cover image for the book The American Philosopher: Interviews on the Meaning of Life and Truth
  • Cover image for the book The Antipodean Philosopher: Interviews on Philosophy in Australia and New Zealand, Volume 2
  • Cover image for the book The A to Z of Utopianism
  • Cover image for the book The A to Z of Hegelian Philosophy
  • Cover image for the book The A to Z of Nietzscheanism
  • Cover image for the book Kant's Transcendental Deduction of the Categories: Unity, Representation, and Apperception
  • Cover image for the book Hegel in 90 Minutes
  • Cover image for the book Kierkegaard in 90 Minutes
  • Cover image for the book Incarnation: The Harmony of One Love in the Totality of Reality
  • Cover image for the book East and West: Allama Jafari on Bertrand Russell
  • Cover image for the book Problems from Philosophy: An Introductory Text, Fourth Edition
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Descartes and Cartesian Philosophy, Third Edition
  • Cover image for the book Movements of Thought: Ludwig Wittgenstein's Diary, 1930–1932 and 1936–1937
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of the Enlightenment, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Reading Continental Philosophy and the History of Thought
  • Cover image for the book The Ethics and Mores of Race: Equality after the History of Philosophy, with a New Preface
  • Cover image for the book Perspectives on Trust in the History of Philosophy
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Leibniz's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Foucault's Critical Philosophy of History: Unfolding the Present
  • Cover image for the book A History of Habit: From Aristotle to Bourdieu
  • Cover image for the book The World of the Imagination: Sum and Substance, 25th Anniversary Edition
  • Cover image for the book Aristotle's Ethics: Critical Essays
  • Cover image for the book The Poverty of Anti-realism: Critical Perspectives on Postmodernist Philosophy of History
  • Cover image for the book Hannah Arendt and the History of Thought
  • Cover image for the book The Philosophical Child
  • Cover image for the book Reconstructing the Personal Library of William James: Markings and Marginalia from the Harvard Library Collection
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Nietzscheanism, Third Edition
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Hume's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Kierkegaard's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Uncommon Sense: The Strangest Ideas from the Smartest Philosophers
  • Cover image for the book What the Tortoise Taught Us: The Story of Philosophy
  • Cover image for the book Towards a Realist Philosophy of History
  • Cover image for the book Science at the Frontiers: Perspectives on the History and Philosophy of Science
  • Cover image for the book Rethinking Fanon: The Continuing Dialogue
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Heidegger's Philosophy, Third Edition
  • Cover image for the book Reading Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations: A Beginner's Guide
  • Cover image for the book The Empiricists: Critical Essays on Locke, Berkeley, and Hume
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Heidegger's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book Kant's Critique of Pure Reason: Critical Essays
  • Cover image for the book Historical Dictionary of Schopenhauer's Philosophy, Second Edition
  • Cover image for the book The Antipodean Philosopher: Public Lectures on Philosophy in Australia and New Zealand, Volume 1
  • Cover image for the book Descartes's Meditations: Critical Essays
  • Cover image for the book The American Philosopher: Interviews on the Meaning of Life and Truth
  • Cover image for the book The Antipodean Philosopher: Interviews on Philosophy in Australia and New Zealand, Volume 2
  • Cover image for the book The A to Z of Utopianism
  • Cover image for the book The A to Z of Hegelian Philosophy
  • Cover image for the book The A to Z of Nietzscheanism
  • Cover image for the book Kant's Transcendental Deduction of the Categories: Unity, Representation, and Apperception
  • Cover image for the book Hegel in 90 Minutes
  • Cover image for the book Kierkegaard in 90 Minutes
  • Cover image for the book Incarnation: The Harmony of One Love in the Totality of Reality
  • Cover image for the book East and West: Allama Jafari on Bertrand Russell
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linked in icon NEWSLETTERS
ABOUT US
  • Mission Statement
  • Employment
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Statement
CONTACT
  • Company Directory
  • Publicity and Media Queries
  • Rights and Permissions
  • Textbook Resource Center
AUTHOR RESOURCES
  • Royalty Contact
  • Production Guidelines
  • Manuscript Submissions
ORDERING INFORMATION
  • Rowman & Littlefield
  • National Book Network
  • Ingram Publisher Services UK
  • Special Sales
  • International Sales
  • eBook Partners
  • Digital Catalogs
IMPRINTS
  • Rowman & Littlefield
  • Lexington Books
  • Hamilton Books
  • Applause Books
  • Amadeus Press
  • Backbeat Books
  • Bernan
  • Hal Leonard Books
  • Limelight Editions
  • Co-Publishing Partners
  • Globe Pequot
  • Down East Books
  • Falcon Guides
  • Gooseberry Patch
  • Lyons Press
  • Muddy Boots
  • Pineapple Press
  • TwoDot Books
  • Stackpole Books
PARTNERS
  • American Alliance of Museums
  • American Association for State and Local History
  • Brookings Institution Press
  • Center for Strategic & International Studies
  • Council on Foreign Relations
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University Press
  • Fortress Press
  • The Foundation for Critical Thinking
  • Lehigh University Press
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  • Other Partners...