The Relevance of Proverbs in African Philosophy:
Philosophizing from an African Perspective

January 30, 2025, 6 p.m.
Universität Hildesheim, Hörsaal 2, Video Recording

Lecture Series: What is Philosophy? A Critical Polylogue with Philosophers from Africa

Abstract

The lecture explores the use and benefits of proverbs in engaging with African philosophy. The main argument presented is that, while other authors, like Odera Oruka, dwell on uninfluenced elders in Africa to extract philosophical wisdom in African societies, this presentation emphasizes that this may not be sufficient or even viable, given the gradual passing of African elders. Moreover, the notion of being “uninfluenced” may be inaccurate, as Africans have historically influenced one another in various ways. However, being influenced does not necessarily mean that these influences are fully adopted by the receiving individuals or communities.

This presentation emphasizes that to identify African philosophical sagacity, it is essential to analyze African languages, wisdom sayings, and proverbs. In particular, we focus on two languages—Luganda and Acholi—through which we can trace significant philosophical wisdom within the African context.

These languages are heavily embedded with wisdom sayings and proverbs. Some of these proverbs are still in their oral forms, yet a good number have already been committed to writing. It is in critically analyzing these wisdom sayings and proverbs that we shall find deeply seated philosophical ideas proper to the Africans and their wisdom philosophy.

Short Bio

Wilfred Lajul is a Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy at Gulu University. Currently, he is the Head of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy at Gulu University. Since 1988, he has taught African philosophy and other subjects such as ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and political philosophy in various institutions, including Makerere and Gulu Universities. Over the years, he has published in the areas of ethics, African philosophy, economic and political philosophy, and bioethics. To date, he has published 4 books, 11 book chapters, and over 20 journal articles. By the end of January 2025, one of his books and two book chapters will be published. His main books are: The Role of Man in the Dynamics of History: Reflections on Kant (1994); African Philosophy: Critical Dimensions (2014); Contemporary African Philosophers: A Critical Appraisal (2017); and African Philosophic Sagacity in Selected African Languages and Proverbs (2024). Other books currently in press include Philosophy, Language, and Literature in an African Context and Philosophy in the Works of Okot p’Bitek: An Introduction to Indigenous Acholi Philosophy. His research interests are in the areas of ethics, African philosophy, education, bioethics, and human rights.