Study Unit 2 Flashcards
(38 cards)
Why are dictionary definitions insufficient for understanding “discourse”?
Dictionary definitions help, but they don’t cover all the details and meanings.
What is the first key element for understanding “discourse” related to meaning?
Meaning as Content includes clear thinking, talking about ideas, and expressing thoughts clearly.
What does “meaning in context” mean for discourse?
It means using language that fits the situation and the specific rules around it, especially in philosophy.
How does Foucault define discourse?
He says discourse is about power, focusing on who gets to use it, who benefits from it, who controls it, and where its authority comes from.
What does “discourse” include besides what is said?
It includes power; the people who control the discourse also shape what others believe.
What are the important meanings of “discourse” in philosophy?
- It’s about expressing thoughts in a clear and organized way.
- It looks at how power affects these expressions.
What is the focus of post-colonial African philosophy?
It emphasizes that knowledge and truth about Africa should be understood by Africans themselves.
What false images did colonizers create about Africans?
Colonizers made one-dimensional and misleading images of Africans, which still exist today.
What should be analyzed in essays about African philosophy?
Both the content and structure of the essays to clarify and explain the ideas.
Why is it important to engage with questions in philosophy?
To understand the issues deeply, not just summarize the content.
What does post-colonial philosophy emphasize?
It highlights Africans’ right to define their own identities.
What does post-colonial philosophy do regarding distorted images of Africa?
It questions and critiques these false images presented by non-Africans.
How do African thinkers contribute to post-colonial philosophy?
They test and sometimes disprove false claims about Africa.
What do the essays by Biakolo and Ramose represent?
A dialogue between Africans and non-Africans.
What are the two forms of dialogue mentioned?
- Focusing on a philosopher’s thoughts on a specific topic.
- Exploring a particular philosophical trend.
What significant historical events are recognized in this context?
The Arab conquest and Western colonization, with the latter being more dominant.
How does historical context affect dialogue between African and Western philosophies?
It includes both pre-colonial and post-colonial experiences.
What role does the pre-colonial period play in understanding Africa?
It provides background and helps verify or falsify non-African claims about Africa.
What is the role of philosophy in the discourse about Africa?
Philosophy is essential for discussing knowledge and truth about Africa.
What are the three key aspects of philosophical thinking?
- Review and assess existing ideas.
- Critique and challenge these views.
- Reconstruct and reformulate ideas based on critical evaluation.
What does it mean to “examine anew”?
It means to look at ideas from a different perspective.
How should anthropological arguments about Africa be treated?
They should be reevaluated and reconsidered for accuracy.
What should be analyzed regarding colonial ideologies?
Fallacies and misconceptions about Africa created by these ideologies should be exposed.
What example illustrates the critique of colonial views about Africans?
Biakolo’s essay critiques Lucien Lévy-Bruhl’s view of Africans as savage and pre-logical, contrasting it with the civilized and logical European view.
