Marcien Towa: A New Mind Project

Abstract

In an attempt to build a new philosophical thought, it is natural that multiple and diverse philosophical positions emerge regarding the nature of African philosophy. This corresponds with the process of growth and development experienced by philosophers in Africa, who strive to find common ground that unifies efforts and highlights the uniqueness of the African mind, without undermining the value of intellectual production, whether oral or written. Therefore, this article aims to discuss the effort of Marcien Towa, whose work in establishing a solid foundation is marked by the characteristics and specificities of African philosophy. He addresses various issues that have hindered—and continue to hinder—the process of intellectual construction, such as the idea of Negritude and its relationship to philosophy and ethnicity, which makes any discourse on philosophy either impossible or indistinguishable from Western philosophies. His project stems from the liberation movement from the remnants of colonialism and emphasizes the necessity of conducting deep explorations into the traditions, perceptions, and culture of the African individual, based on the principle of philosophical freedom, in order to arrive at an African philosophy with a unique identity.