A PHILOSOPHICAL APPRAISAL OF AFRICAN NOTION OF TRUTH

Abstract

One of the things that makes philosophy very interesting is that it is polemical. Polemic is actually what leads to growth in philosophy. This is particularly true in the history of African philosophy especially with the Great Debate. At this time both proponents and opponents of the existence of African Philosophy marshalled out reasons to torpedo the opponent into submission. This arguments and counter arguments was what brought African philosophy to the lime light and birthed African philosophy as an academic discipline. In order words, the Great Debate was the Golden Age of African philosophy because African philosophers through polemic were challenged to prove that Africa has philosophy. With the Great Debate now behind us, the task facing African scholars today is no longer to prove the existence of African philosophy but to philosophize and develop African philosophy. This paper employed the philosophical method of analysis, contributes to this new demand by developing the philosophical element in Igbo concept of truth. The paper compares Igbo and Western notions of truth underlining their similarities and differences. It also outlines how Igbo notion of truth is concretized in the lived experiences of the people. Finally the paper pinpoints some elements in Igbo concept of truth that are irrational that need to be refined in the light of the exigencies of contemporary life.