AN INTERROGATION OF THE NOTION OF MAN IN EXISTENTIALISM AND AFRICAN TRADITIONAL THOUGHT

Abstract

Many scholars have considered the nature of man from diverse perspectives. Many also identified some distinctive human features. The philosophical purpose of these considerations is to give us a better understanding of man in order to project humanity for better existence. Existentialism is the aspect of philosophy that concerns itself distinctively with the nature of human existence. Its concepts of freedom, choice, responsibility, individuality, and existence precedes essence are crucial to the understanding of human nature. Like other branches of philosophy, African philosophy is not bereft of ideas about human nature. Its conception of the nature of man is influenced by African worldview. Man in many African societies is perceived as instinctively spiritual, communal, responsible and in a way deterministic. These features on a face value interpretation contradict essential nature of man in existentialism. Sequel to the above, this paper seeks to interrogate the two branches of philosophy in an analytical manner. The interrogation of the two perspectives is with the aim of projecting humanity in Africa for a better existence. It is hoped that this comparative approach to Western and African existentialism will enhance an improved understanding of man and consequently help in improving human condition in Africa