The ethnophilosophical foundation of conversational thinking

Abstract

This chapter argues that conversational philosophy, a current doctrine in African philosophy, is rooted in ethno-philosophy. The Igbo notion of 'arumaru-uka' interpreted as 'critical conversations' is etymologically the root word of Chimakonam's method of conversational thinking. Conversational thinking, or conversationalism, is a philosophical methodology in which two or more variables or epistemic agents consciously interact, relate as well as engage in exchange of ideas in a constructive, critical, creative and mutually respectable manner. The main aim of such interaction is to open new vistas for thought. Ethno-philosophy as one of the definitive schools of thought in African philosophy holds that the cultural productions, proverbs, adages, folklores and myths of traditional African societies contain rich raw materials for constructive philosophical cogitations. Employing the methods of exposition and critical analysis, this chapter argues that despite the acclaimed universal applicability of conversational thinking, its reliance on the rich language and worldview of the Igbo-African traditional culture betrays its ethnophilosophical colouration.