A CRITIQUE OF HEGEL’S CONCEPT OF AFRICA

Abstract

This study focuses on a critique of Hegel’s erroneous conception of Africa, precisely black race of Africa. Africa is one of the continents of the world and it is very rich in human and mineral resources. It is often denoted as the ‘black race’. In the past, some western scholars doubted, and almost denied the humanity as well as the intellectual ability of Africans. Among such scholars is Georg Hegel who even excluded Africa from the world history. Some derogatory terms such as ‘irrational’, ‘uncivilized’, ‘irreligious’, etc. were used to refer to Africa. Hegel argued that Africa has no place in the world history and has actually nothing to contribute to the world history. The fundamental questions are: Is it correct to describe Africans as irrational and uncivilized people? Has Africa any place in the world history? Is Hegel correct in his concept of Africa? This study, employing analytical and critical methods, examines Hegel’s concept of Africa. This study argues that Africa is part and parcel of world’s history, and thus, Hegel’s denial of Africa a place in the world history is quite unfounded. It evaluates Hegel’s concept of Africa, and argues that most of Hegel’s ideas regarding Africa are quite erroneous. Such erroneous ideas seem to be as a result of deep-rooted racism. This study maintains that whiteness of skin colour does not imply superiority just as blackness of skin does not entail inferiority. Africa has contributed and is still contributing to the civilization of the world.