This paper explores Africana Philosophy. Essay II: Philosophical response Only use the book, no outside sources. Only use the book (uploaded pdf version). The book is this book: Mudimbe, V. Y. The Invention of Africa: Gnosis, Philosophy, and the Order of Knowledge.

Africana Philosophy.

Essay II: Philosophical response Only use the book, no outside sources. Only use the book (uploaded pdf version). The book is this book: Mudimbe, V. Y. The Invention of Africa: Gnosis, Philosophy, and the Order of Knowledge . Indiana University Press, 1988. Explain one aspect or chapter of the book Structure: Start the response essay by answering the following questions in a page, no more: – Why does it talk about the invention of Africa? After all Africa hasn’t been invented – What does it mean that Africa has been invented? Who invented Africa? – What does that mean for colonizers to invent Africa? How was it invented? Power dynamics – Consequences of the invention of Africa.

Africana Philosophy.

For Africans themselves. Capacity to define and talk about themselves – To what extent was it bias by this initial invention of Africa? From there write a response and reflect more specifically on one chapter of the book, it needs to pick one theme, one aspect, one chapter and the chapter must answer questions. The questions need to answer one chapter of the book. Steps: Step 1: Find a chapter of the book that you chose which you find particularly relevant or central to the theme or questions that you consider exploring for your final essay. This chapter should provide you with a theoretical starting point or framework to develop your research.

Africana Philosophy.

You may choose to reflect on this section either because it provides an interesting theoretical framework to define the themes that you want to explore, or because it lays out most or the main arguments that you will be discussing in your final paper, or because it offers a counterpoint to the thesis that you want to develop, etc. Don’t mention the otherness or focus on the otherness. Step 2: Reflect critically on the chapter. Among the questions that you may ask yourself are: • What is the thesis of this chapter? Do I agree with this claim? • What are the ideas or the arguments which I find the most convincing? Why?

Africana Philosophy.

Do I disagree with some of the arguments that are made? On what grounds? • Are the examples chosen convincing? Relevant? • Did some claims echo other readings, beliefs, and statements which I encountered either in other classes, or in my personal experience, or in my own readings? • Are there aspects of the problem that I am exploring which are not mentioned in this chapter? Why? Does that weaken the general argument of the author? Step 3: Write a critical response to the chapter that you chose. In writing a critique, you are attempting to critically evaluate the chapter mainly considering its internal logic, or its relevance for today, or its shortcomings, or the ways in which the argument could be expanded.

Africana Philosophy.

A critique does not mean saying that the chapter is “good” or “bad,” or interesting, or boring. Your role is to critically engage with the chapter and its arguments and identify the ways in which it helps you deepen your understanding. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you choose a chapter that you understood well and that resonates with your interests. Keep in mind: – You are not required to explain the chapter, but you will need to situate the chapter in a broader debate and context, present the main arguments and the specific points or arguments which you disagree with. – Make sure that you clearly present your author’s arguments prior to criticizing them.

Africana Philosophy.

However, avoid structuring your essay like this: Part I: The author’s argument; Part II: My critique. The author’s arguments and your critique of these arguments must be organically embedded. – Your criticisms can consist of bringing nuances to an author’s argument. They do not have to frontally attack the author that you chose. – Many aspects of the chapter can be criticized: its internal logic, its silences, the examples that it provides, the generalizations that it makes, the hypotheses on which it relies, its consequences (epistemological, political, ethical, etc.) – Try to always be “generous” with the chapter, avoid criticisms in bad faith or personal attacks, and remain nuanced. https://youtu.be/xb65gxIf1ik

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