THE PLACE OF WITCHCRAFT/WIZARDRY IN AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The belief and practice of Witchcraft is not only applicable in Africa but is prevalent all over the continent. However this practice is easily prone to Africans which has raised a lot of questions ranging from primitivity, illiteracy, multi-religiosity, multiculturalism and so on, with above assumed as the root cause. The problems created by witchcraft practices are numerous that one looking at it from the African worldview would see nothing positive but negativities all the way. The study employs the analytic method. By applying this method, it was discovered that witchcraft has some positive influences on the society amidst the numerous negative pictures that are being painted of it; It can be used to destroy and as well can be used to create or invent; can be used to inflict pain and sickness and can also be used to heal. Also witches are not known by their physical appearance because their modes of acquisition of witchcraft differ either by birth, initiation or by accident (contact with infected object or place). In conclusion I recommend that the mystery behind this practice be unveiled through the proper channel of education so that the beauty in it will be harnessed and the negative sides eradicated. Keywords: Witchcraft, wizardry, Africa, traditional, societies, philosophy.