ABSTRACT

The question of the existence of African philosophy has been diversely addressed by scholars. While some scholars are of the view that there is African philosophy, others are of a contrary opinion. In the attempt to clarify these diverse views, Kwasi Wiredu examines the question via the existence of cultural universals. He argues that since there are universals which are conceptual in nature and are intelligible across culture, then, philosophy can be universal, though cultural relative. This paper assesses critically some of the major arguments and claims of Wiredu in his defence of African philosophy with major emphasis on the humanistic traits identified by Wiredu. This study also points out the gap in his argument about the principle of sympathetic impartiality. The study uses the method of argumentation and conceptual clarification.