Chapter 4: Philosophy in Africa and the Crisis of Relevance: Lessons from German Idealism

Despite the myriads of literature on African philosophy, the question remains as to whether there is an African philosophy. Related to this is also the question of what ought be the basic role or relevance of such philosophy in the African society. In the gathering of intellectuals from different fields of life, the philosopher is often accused of usurping the role of either linguist or poet. When he is not accused of these, he is accused of either stealing the position of a lawyer or that of a priest. Hence, the philosopher suffers a crisis of relevance. Amid this crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, this chapter appraises the role of philosophy in the African society. Drawing on the German idealism of the 18th century (a system of thought judged as ambiguous and irrelevant, yet very impactful on the society), it demonstrates the ubiquity of philosophy, thereby acquitting it of the guilt of usurpation and en-robing it with the appropriate garment of a perfect grand master. In the fields of scholarship, politics, religion, entertainment, business and technology, philosophy has a lot to offer in the continent and beyond.