Olusegun Oladipo

Olusegun ‘Teju Oladipo (1957–2009) was a Nigerian philosopher and professor of philosophy at the University of Ibadan. Quotes The problem surrounding the idea of African philosophy is not that of fashioning an authentic philosophy which will be true to African cultures and traditions. Oladipo was challenging the idea that the central task of African philosophy is simply to construct a philosophy that faithfully reproduces traditional African culture. He was redirecting the debate toward the social relevance of philosophy. The problem is that of the extent to which African philosophers have been able to put their intellect in the service of the aspirations and struggles of African peoples. Oladipo argued that African philosophy should be judged partly by how effectively philosophers respond intellectually to the aspirations and struggles of African societies. This became one of the central ideas associated with his relevance-oriented approach. What is required, I suggest, is a commitment to human interests on the continent. He rejected the idea that the philosopher's primary commitment should simply be to African culture or to philosophy as an academic discipline. Not much can be gained in this situation by a commitment to African culture or commitment to a discipline—philosophy. Oladipo was discussing the difficult social and historical conditions facing contemporary Africa. He argued that neither attachment to culture alone nor commitment to philosophy as an isolated discipline adequately answers the continent's needs. Philosophy is seen as a social phenomenon which derives its being from the experience generated through the continuous interaction between human beings and their environment and between themselves. Oladipo was explaining his understanding of philosophy as something connected to human social experience rather than an activity existing independently of society and lived conditions. The commitment of the African Philosopher will neither be to a culture, nor to a discipline, but in terms of the conscious and sustained application of critical and reflective thinking to various aspects of African life and experiences. Oladipo was defining the practical responsibility of African philosophers. Rather than treating African culture or philosophy itself as the ultimate object of commitment, he argued for sustained critical reflection on African life and experience. The real problem is that of finding ways in which African philosophers can make their works relevant to human interests in their societies. Oladipo was identifying what he regarded as the fundamental problem in the debate over African philosophy. His concern was not simply whether African philosophy was sufficiently “African,” but whether philosophical work addressed human needs in African societies. Unless we take urgent and critical steps to seek new modes of political and social organisation through which we can remake Nigeria, then the survival of the country may be at risk. He argued for fundamental reconsideration of the country's political and social organisation rather than merely accepting existing structures. The primary task of African philosophers should be to begin to create a tradition of thinking and discourse whose main focus is This comes from Oladipo's discussion of the relevance of African philosophy. Category:1957 births Category:2009 deaths Category:Philosophers from Nigeria