John Murungi Boeken

Exploring the foundations of African legal philosophy, this book argues for its validity within the context of African culture, paralleling other legal philosophies rooted in their respective cultures. It examines the nature of law, its interpretation, and application through an African lens, highlighting the cultural parameters that shape these processes. In the face of Western cultural imposition, the text positions African legal philosophy as a crucial response that aims to liberate and empower African perspectives on law.

The book presents African philosophy as an adventurous journey that encourages curiosity and open-mindedness. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and affirming African philosophical thought, inviting readers to engage with its depth and richness through a lens of wonder and exploration.

Focusing on indigenous African legal ethics, this philosophical inquiry explores the distinct characteristics that define African legal ethics. It engages with critical questions about the cultural and ethical underpinnings of legal practices in Africa. The book is particularly relevant for scholars in African philosophy, philosophy of law, and legal ethics, offering insights that challenge conventional legal frameworks and highlight the uniqueness of African perspectives.

The book presents a compelling argument that philosophy is inherently native to African communities, challenging the notion of its external origins. It explores the historical erasure of African philosophy, examines significant philosophical developments within the continent, and addresses the impact of Christianity on African thought. Additionally, it delves into topics such as African legal philosophy and musical aesthetics, highlighting the rich and diverse philosophical traditions that have emerged throughout Africa.

The illumination of African philosophy offered in this volume leads to the illumination of philosophy in general. Illuminating arises as an essential task of philosophy, whether African or not. What is illuminated is not already there, but is constituted at the moment of illumination. This book invites the reader to participate in the illuminating work of philosophy and necessarily, thereby, to contribute to his or her own self-constituting self-illumination. Although the focus is on African philosophy, the book also bridges the gap between African philosophy and other branches. Today more than ever, a bridging philosophy is called for, and this book helps to meet that need. This book poses philosophical questions such as who is an African and what Africa is, and seeks philosophical answers. In doing so, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on African philosophy. It addresses such issues as the African grounding of philosophy, the difference between African and Black philosophy, the African body, African art as expressed in and by Chiwara, the plight of African trees as the plight of Africans, and the symbolic meaning of Robben Island.