Cover of Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya
Already a subscriber? - Login here
Not yet a subscriber? - Subscribe here

Displaying: 1-7 of 7 documents


1. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
Reginald M.J. Oduor, Ph.D. Editorial
view |  rights & permissions | cited by
2. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
D.A. Masolo A Review of Kai Kresse’s Philosophising in Mombasa: Knowledge, Islam and Intellectual Practice on the Swahili Coast
view |  rights & permissions | cited by
3. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
Innocent I. Asouzu Ibuanyidanda (Complementary Reflection), Communalism and Theory Formulation in African Philosophy
abstract | view |  rights & permissions | cited by
This paper avers that most attempts at formulating viable theories in African philosophy are saddled with intrusions of ethnophilosophic and ethnocentric types: The author identifies this as the phenomenon of “unintended ethnocentric commitment”. He uses communalism, a socio-political theory in African philosophy, to illustrate his point. He further argues that overreliance on the method of synthetic deduction - as is widely practised in African philosophy - can impact adversely on the universal outreach of theories and limit our knowledge of the world. The paper contends that any theory that aspires to give us a clearer picture of the world should be in a position to contain the distortions arising from the promptings of sense experience. Likewise, such a theory should show clear evidence ofanalytic insight into the mechanisms and phenomena on the basis of which our knowledge of the world can be broadened and our judgement thereof improved. By recourse to the method and principles of ibuanyidanda (complementary reflection) philosophy, a systematic methodological approach to theory formulation in African philosophy, the author shows how theories in African philosophy can be articulated more resourcefully with a view to upholding their systematic and universal relevance.
4. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
Jacinta Mwende Maweu Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Modern Western Ecological Knowledge: Complementary, not Contradictory
abstract | view |  rights & permissions | cited by
Indigenous knowledge is often dismissed as ‘traditional and outdated’, and hence irrelevant to modern ecological assessment. This theoretical paper critically examines the arguments advanced to elevate modern western ecological knowledge over indigenous ecological knowledge, as well as the sources and uses of indigenous ecological knowledge. The central argument of the paper is that although the two systems are conceptually different, it would be fallacious to regard one as superior to the other merely because they are premised on different worldviews.
5. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
Olumuyiwa Okuseinde, Oladipo O. Olubomehin Music Artistes and their Contribution to the Idea of Development in Africa, 1974-1987
abstract | view |  rights & permissions | cited by
This paper is a historical analysis of the contributions of music artistes to the idea of development in Africa in the period between 1974 and 1987. Itseeks to show that concern for the development of the continent was not confined to the intellectual community. Music artistes were not merely interested in entertainment; they also paid attention to the real problems that confronted the society of their time, thereby sharing in the concern of political thinkers of all ages. The works of three artistes - Sonny Okosun, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Bob Marley - are selected for detailed examination, although references are made to other artistes. The study depended on primary and secondary source material. The paper is a contribution to knowledge in the field of African Political Thought.
6. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
Adebayo A. Ogungbure The Tuskegee Syphilis Study: Some Ethical Reflections
abstract | view |  rights & permissions | cited by
There are established ethical principles to protect human participants in biomedical research from undue exploitation by researchers. However, in the “Tuskegee Study” in the US, these principles were grossly violated. The task of this paper is to critically examine the ethical implications of that study on future practices in biomedical research, and to suggest ways of ensuring that such practices comply with appropriate ethical values.
7. Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya: Volume > 3 > Issue: 2
Karori Mbũgua The Problem of Hell Revisited: Towards a Gentler Theology of Hell
abstract | view |  rights & permissions | cited by
The doctrines of hell and the existence of God seem to pose a formidable paradox for both Christianity and Islam. The paradox can be stated as follows: Given that God is perfect in every sense, how can he allow any of his creatures to suffer eternal perdition? In this paper, I undertake a critical examination of the arguments for and against the doctrine of hell and conclude that on balance, arguments against the existence of hell heavily outweigh those for its existence. This calls for a radical revision of the traditional doctrine of hell. I contend that what is needed is a gentler and more sinner-friendly theology of hell that recognizes God’s mercy and infinite patience. Nevertheless, belief in hell can serve the social function of deterring potential sinners from sinning.