Akan Philosophy and Personhood

May 19, 2024

First Aired: October 24, 2021

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The Akan people of West Africa have developed a system of metaphysics, epistemology, and moral philosophy with a special focus on personhood. For the Akan, their conception of a person is not just a matter of theoretical interest—it has far reaching practical implications for their social institutions and communal practices. So what exactly is the Akan notion of personhood, and how is it rooted in Akan traditional culture? How does the Akan emphasis on the social nature of personhood promote trust, cooperation, and a sense of responsibility to the community? And can this communal perspective help restore cultural identity in a postcolonial Africa? Josh and Ray get personal with Ajume Wingo from the University of Colorado Boulder, author of Veil Politics in Liberal Democratic States.

Should your identity be defined by your community? What can West African philosophy tell us about the self? Josh provides the Akan definition of personhood as one who contributes to their family and community, but Ray brings up a variety of potential problems in response. They ask about those who disagree with their community, as well as people who can’t contribute due to a lack of education or having disabilities. They discuss whether accounting for individual levels of opportunity is enough to counteract these problems, or if our inner lives are just as critical as our communities.

The hosts welcome Ajume Wingo, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado Boulder, to the show. Ajume talks about the metaphysical background of Akan philosophy and the idea that everyone has an irreducible dignity. Ray asks how achieving personhood and having a pre-existing universal equality fit together, and Ajume describes his own position on whether contributing to the community is necessary. Josh wonders about the types of contributions in Akan philosophy. Ajume provides examples that include having children, doing public work, and successfully criticizing the community.

In the last segment of the show, Josh, Ray, and Ajume discuss if non-humans can achieve personhood and the differences between Western and Akan conceptions of the soul. Ray agrees with the ideals of Akan philosophy of person, but they are more cautious about the actuality of living them out. Josh asks about what the rest of the world, including the United States, can learn from Akan philosophy. Ajume suggests that the importance of community is a critical concept, along with the dual emphasis on human rights and meritocracy.

Roving Philosophical Report (Seek to 3:44) → Holly J. McDede learns about the cultural context of Akan philosophy, including how the Akan musical tradition differs from its European counterpart.