AFRICAN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND PHILOSOPHY

Cyril Emeka Ejike

Abstract


Philosophy, as a second order, is marked by critical reflections about reality. It is in this sense that philosophy is employed in this paper. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to critically examine and assess African indigenous knowledge systems in order to determine their validity and worthiness. We shall attempt to demonstrate successes achieved so far in the application of African traditional knowledge systems in attending to the problems of everyday life in Africa. We shall also try to expose their inadequacies and limitations and make some recommendations. The rest of this paper will conceptualize philosophy and African indigenous knowledge. Thereafter, it will critically explore some African indigenous knowledge systems and finally draw a conclusion.

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