Beauty in African Thought
Critical Perspectives on the Western Idea of Development
Angela Roothaan editor Mahmoud Masaeli editor Bolaji Bateye editor Louise Müller editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:22nd Mar '23
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A 2023 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic Title
Beauty in African Thought: A Critique of the Western Idea of Development investigates how the concept of beauty in African philosophy and related qualitative social sciences may contribute to a richer intercultural exchange on the idea of development. While working within frameworks created in post-colonial and arguably neo-colonial times, African thinkers have reacted against the mainstream view that restricts the meaning and scope of good development to economic growth and western-style education. These thinkers have worked toward a critical self-understanding of the potentials inherent in cultural, spiritual, and political traditions since pre-colonial times. Edited by Bolaji Bateye, Mahmoud Masaeli, Louise Müller, and Angela Roothaan, this collection explores branches of thought from wisdom or oral traditions to political thought and philosophy of culture. This book is urgent reading material for any policy maker, scholar, or student wishing to attend to the voices of African(ist) thinkers who search for alternative approaches to global questions of development in a time of climate change and increasing socio-economic inequality.
Beauty in African Thought exemplifies contemporary African philosophy and how philosophical rigor can shed light on profound concerns in everyday life. The editors and their contributors have done a remarkable job of bringing to the fore the aesthetics of life among African peoples, revealing that development transcends economic efficiency. The volume addresses notions of beauty broadly understood, holistic spirituality and religion, agency and meaning-making, interdependence, and community in contrast to the individualism of Western metaphysics and political philosophy. This collection will be valuable for those with interests in African culture and thought and the development of African nations in the present era. Scholars pursuing issues of global development and environmental sustainability or of human flourishing and justice will unquestionably benefit from this excellent collection. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. * Choice Reviews *
This volume broaches a fresh and critical view of life in an Africa that is aspiring for a dignified and sustainable quality of life. The book redefines the beauty of African life with all its struggles and celebrations and adorns it with a rigorous intellectual mantle. It is an invitation for a deep and sophisticated understanding of life as lived in postcolonial Africa under the pressures of the Western ideology of development -- M. John Lamola, University of Johannesburg
- Winner of Outstanding Academic Title 2023
ISBN: 9781793630759
Dimensions: 236mm x 158mm x 21mm
Weight: 531g
270 pages