INTERCULTURAL PHILOSOPHY AND SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

Abstract

Philosophy is the circuit of human development. It embraces all aspects of human existence that concretely leads to development. Intercultural philosophy deals with syncretism of cultural thoughts and praxis with regard to philosophical endeavours. Employing analytic and evaluative methods, this paper investigates the features of intercultural philosophy in relation to sustainable human development in Africa. It acknowledges that development in Africa both at the level of individuals and that of the larger society dwindle steadily due to various cultural factorial differences that clog the developmental wheel. It then recognizes intercultural philosophy as a new and practical dimension of philosophizing that enables effective integration of cultural values which avails lucid acceptance of cultural differences in thoughts and actions for sustainable development at both national and international spheres in Africa. It considers intercultural philosophy as a practical approach to dissolution of cultural differences in responding positively to the famous expression of ‘unity in diversity’, while it acknowledges the rich human world as a global context within which a variety of exchange of ideas and practices could be harmonized for more effective, rapid and sustainable human development. One of the significant features of human development is unity. Unity of cultural values leads automatically to peaceful development. Therefore, united intercultural philosophical exercise can be an outstanding catalyst in good development of African world. Considering intercultural philosophy as a peaceful way to sustainable human development, this paper recommends a phenomenological approach to cultures for mutual intercultural acceptance of rich cultural values especially in the areas of politics, education, economy, religion and human freedom for optimal and sustainable human development in Africa for well-being of individuals and the society at large.