THE ROLE OF PHILOSOPHY IN TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY AFRICA: ACRITIQUE OF BODUNRIN
THE ROLE OF PHILOSOPHY IN TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY AFRICA: ACRITIQUE OF BODUNRIN

Summary/Abstract: Philosophy in general and African Philosophy in particular is rocked by the crisis of relevance and is being called upon to justify the huge investment in it by the government. This paper attempts to examine the contribution that philosophers can make to the development of African countries given the fact that the continent suffers from the problem of development. The paper is a counter discourse to that of scholars like Bodunrin who thinks that philosophy cannot help in dealing with our present social, moral, religious and economic problems. The paper argues that the professionalization of philosophy which has led to it being treated as a theoretical inquiry does not preclude the capacity of philosophers to reason about the practical problem in the society with a view to solving them. It examines some of the ways by which African philosophers can contribute to social development in Africa such as the development of an ideology, the critique of African values and colonial legacies and the readiness to participate in practical matters so as to translate ideas and theories to social reality. The paper suggests that if philosophers are to be able to be involved in practical matters, there is the need for multi-disciplinary training for them. It concludes by suggesting a philosophy of praxis for Africa.

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