«The Constitution of Muntu» is an effort to outline the Bantu conception of person. The inquiry is undertaken in view of two perspectives: a formative dimension, which envisages the person as a perfectible reality bound by certain determinisms; and a formal dimension, which envisages him as a definable reality. The two are complementary. In going about this task, a great importance has been alloted to the «sources» or causes of muntu as a person. The ultimate goal of the inquiry is to lay down a viable foundation to African philosophy and theology by understanding the subject engaged in those disciplines - man the knower.

Over a quarter of a century has passed since Muntu was first published in English, but this landmark examination still provides one of the most in-depth looks at African and neo-African culture. In his insightful study, Janheinz Jahn surveys the whole range of traditional and modern African thought expressed in religion, language, philosophy, literature, art, music and dance. He demonstrates that African culture, far from being doomed to destruction or homogenization under the onslaught of the West, is evolving into a rich and independent civilization that is capable of incorporating those elements of the West that do not threaten its basic values. Muntu (the Bantu word for “human”) presents an invaluable insight into the foundations of the unique and vital tapestry of cultures that compromise Africa today.

The Dictionary of World Philosophy covers the diverse and challenging terminology, concepts, schools and traditions of the vast field of world philosophy. Providing an extremely comprehensive resource and an essential point of reference in a complex and expanding field of study the Dictionary covers all major subfields of the discipline. Key features: * Cross-references are used to highlight interconnections and the cross-cultural diffusion and adaptation of terms which has taken place over time * The user is led from specific terms to master entries which provide valuable historical and cultural context * Each master entry is followed by at least two suggestions for further reading on the subject, creating a substantial bibliography of world philosophy * References extend beyond philosophy to related areas such as cognitive science, computer science, language and physics Subdisciplines covered include:* aesthetics * ethics * sociopolitical philosophy * the philosophy of law * epistemology * logic * the philosophy of science * the philosophy of mind * the philosophy of culture and history * metaphysics * the philosophy of religion Entries are drawn from West Africa, Arabic, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Jewish, Korean, Latin American, Maori and Native American philosophy including the important and so far largely neglected instance of Pre-Hispanic thought: Nahua philosophy.

This volume investigates the development of biographical study in African history. Preceded by an introduction on the relevance of biography in history, case studies deal with methodological insights, personas living through societal transition, and biographical subjects and their discursive worlds.

Argues for an innovative and overdue posthuman reading of African postcolonial literature