Paulin J. Hountondji

Paulin J. Hountondji (11 April 1942 – 2 February 2024) was a Beninese philosopher, academic and politician. He was one of the most influential figures in contemporary African philosophy and is best known for his critique of ethnophilosophy and his advocacy of critical universalism. His major works include African Philosophy: Myth and Reality, The Struggle for Meaning, and Endogenous Knowledge: Research Trails. Quotes "Ideology is masked politics." Combats pour le sens: Un itinéraire africain (1997). Paulin J. Hountondji discussing the political character of ideology. "Universality is possible only when the partners in dialogue are free from the need to dominate one another." Combats pour le sens: Un itinéraire africain (1997). Paulin J. Hountondji discussing universality and dialogue. "The real problem is not to talk about Africa but to talk among Africans." African Philosophy: Myth and Reality, 2nd ed. (Indiana University Press, 1996). Paulin J. Hountondji discussing intellectual exchange among Africans. "African philosophy will be fully itself only by taking up the historical challenge, assimilating and, if possible, going beyond the productive lessons of exogenous theoretical traditions." African Studies Review (2024), quoting The Struggle for Meaning. Paulin J. Hountondji discussing the future of African philosophy. External links