Description
Book SynopsisReincarnation is a focus of much debate in modern African thought. In this challenging study, Majeed rejects the denial of the existence of reincarnation in African thought by reference to Akan culture. However, he makes a clear distinction between metempsychosis and transmigration. Linking the past – ancient religious philosophies – with present African thought in sub-Saharan Africa, he strives towards an “African philosophy of mind”. Although Majeed acknowledges the popular scholarly opinion that reincarnation is a “pristine concept”, he shows that it is generally an irrational one. He boldly argues that the philosophical problem of personal identity is central to the rationale of reincarnation. This very irrationality in African thought raises our understanding of the constitution of a person.
Table of Contents
- Part 1
- Belief in Reincarnation in Some Ancient Cultures
- Chapter 1: Egyptian Belief
- Chapter 2: Greek Belief
- Chapter 3: Indian Belief
- Chapter 4: Chinese Belief
- Chapter 5: Incan Belief
- Part 2
- Personal Identity: A Prelude to Reincarnation
- Chapter 6: On What Does Personal Identity Depend?
- Part 3
- Reincarnation in African Philosophy
- Chapter 7: The Doctrine of Reincarnation in African Philosophy
- Chapter 8: Rationality of Belief in Reincarnation
- Chapter 9: Conclusion
