Redefining a Philosophical Tradition from the African Experience
Monday, 17th February 2025 | Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana

On Monday, 17th February 2025, the Institute of African Studies (IAS), in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy and Classics, hosted an insightful public lecture on the theme “Redefining a Philosophical Tradition from the African Experience.” The lecture was delivered by Professor Elvis Imafidon of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, to a vibrant audience of students, faculty, researchers, and philosophy enthusiasts at the Kwabena Nketia Conference Hall.

Prof. Imafidon, a leading scholar in African philosophy and Chair of the Centre for Global and Comparative Philosophies at SOAS, critically engaged with the dominant Western narrative of philosophy as being rooted in textuality and individual authorship. These features, he argued, have been unfairly used to exclude African thought systems—especially those that existed prior to the mid-20th century—from being recognized as legitimate philosophy.

In his presentation, Prof. Imafidon challenged the narrow definitions that have historically shaped the global understanding of a philosophical tradition. He questioned the overreliance on written texts and the figure of the individual author as criteria for authentic philosophical contributions. Such standards, he argued, erase the value of non-textual knowledge systems such as oral traditions, proverbs, symbolic expressions, and communal thought—forms central to African knowledge production.

Drawing from the African experience, Prof. Imafidon offered an alternative framework that redefines a philosophical tradition as a coherent heritage grounded in the foundational meaning of philosophy—the love and search for wisdom. He emphasized that African philosophy has always existed, sustained through both individual and collective efforts across generations, with knowledge repositories spanning both textual and non-textual formats.

The lecture pointed to the need to embrace African modes of knowledge production as equally philosophical and to resist the marginalization of indigenous thought systems. Prof. Imafidon’s approach calls for the recognition of African philosophy on its own terms, paving the way for epistemic justice and the decolonisation of philosophical traditions globally.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where audience, made up of members of the university community and students engaged the speaker on issues ranging from the relevance of oral traditions in academic philosophy to the future of African philosophy in global curricula.

The Institute of African Studies extends its appreciation to Prof. Imafidon and all participants for contributing to such a meaningful and intellectually enriching event, which further reinforces our commitment to promoting African-centered knowledge and scholarship.