A Short History of African Philosophy discusses major ideas, figures, and schools of thought in philosophy in the African context. While drawing out critical issues in the formation of African philosophy, Barry Hallen focuses on recent scholarship and relevant debates that have made African philosophy critical to understanding the rich and complex cultural heritage of the continent. This revised edition expands the historical perspective, takes account of recent discoveries and new canonical figures, highlights new discussions about gender as a cultural and philosophical phenomenon, clarifies issues regarding indigenous cultures and human rights, and builds on the notion that African philosophy shares methods and concerns of philosophy worldwide. This short reference is an essential resource for students, scholars, and general readers.

A concise survey of philosophy in the African context

About the Author

Barry Hallen is Professor of Philosophy at Morehouse College and Associate in the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University. He is author of The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful: Discourse about Values in Yoruba Culture (IUP, 2000).

Reviews

This expanded and updated edition of Hallen's work will be a valuable asset as a highly accessible reference, not only for the undergraduate student, but also for graduates and researchers.

* Journal of Africa *

A Short History of African Philosophy is a good read for both the neophyte and the seasoned scholar; it is a helpful guide and beginning for anyone with an interest in African philosophy.

* Dialogue *

The purpose of Hallen's book is to provide professional philosophers, students, and intellectually interested laypersons with both a synopsis and analysis of the field of African philosophy, a scholarly field that is still widely ignored in the philosophical profession and still widely unknown in the public realm. He succeeds quite well in this enterprise. Vol. 43, no. 2, 2010

* Intl. Jrnl. of African Historical Studies *

Hallen's writing is consistently clear and accessible to a general reader, and his knowledge of the subject is wide-ranging, making this an excellent introduction to the vibrant and complex melange that falls withing the category of African philosophy.#71 Winter 2009/2010

-- Mikel Burley * University of Leeds *

While avowedly a short conspectus, the book as a whole is dynamized by a number of recurring debates which make their appearance in most of the chapters, giving the work an internal coherence belying its brevity and simplicity.

* Leeds African Studies Bulletin *

Provides an excellent orientation to the various approaches and issues which have emerged throughout the history of African philosophy.

* International Studies in Philosophy *

With this small book, Barry Hallen has opened up the field of African philosophy to the general public, without turning professionals off.

* Philosophy in Review *

Hallen has provided an immeasurable service to students and scholars of Africana thought by lucidly and concisely chronicling the history, development, and current issues in African philosophies.

* Choice, named Outstanding Academic Book *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253221230
Author Barry Hallen
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press