Description
Book SynopsisAn eminent African philosopher asserts the compatibility of universal and particular values in defining cultural identities.
Trade Review"This is a major endowment- from one who already has an unparalleled record in such giving- not only the tradition of modern philosophy in Africa, but to all lovers of philosophy understood as cross-cultural projects." - African Philosophy"Wiredu's discussion of culturally defined values and concepts, as well as his attention to such timely issues as human rights, makes this book invaluable interdisciplinary reading." - D. A. Masolo
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
1. Introduction: The Universal and the Particular
Part I. General Considerations
2. A Philosophical Perspective on the Concept of Human Communication
3. Are There Cultural Universals?
4. The Biological Foundation of Universal Norms
Part II. Religion and Morality
5. Universalism and Particularism in Religion from an African Perspective
6. Custom and Morality: A Comparative Analysis of Some African and Western Conceptions of Morals
Part III. Conceptual Contrasts
7. Formulating Modern Thought in African Languages: Some Theoretical Considerations
8. The Concept of Truth in the Akan Language
9. African Philosophical Tradition: A Case Study of the Akan
10. The Need for Conceptual Decolonization in African Philosophy
11. Post-Colonial African Philosophy
Part IV. Democracy and Human Rights
12. An Akan Perspective on Human Rights
13. Philosophy and the Political Problem of Human Rights
14. Democracy and Consensus: A Plea for a Non-Party Polity
15. Postscript: Reflections on Some Reactions
Notes
Index
