- 1. Sage Philosophy, as articulated by Kenyan philosopher Henry Odera Oruka, represents a significant and innovative approach to understanding the rich philosophical traditions embedded within African cultures, particularly drawing on the wisdom of traditional sages. Oruka's work stems from a notable attempt to elevate the intellectual value of African philosophical thought, challenging the colonial narratives that often portrayed African societies as lacking in philosophical depth. He proposed that sages—those elders or wise individuals within their communities—possess a unique form of philosophical insight derived from their life experiences and cultural contexts, which deserve serious exploration and recognition. By advocating for the study of these sages, Oruka aimed to highlight the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and their relevance in addressing contemporary philosophical issues. His methodology combined both qualitative and empirical research, emphasizing the need to engage directly with the thinkers of the community to uncover insights about fundamental questions concerning existence, morality, and social life. Sage Philosophy thus not only enriches the understanding of African philosophy but also contributes to global philosophical discourse by asserting that wisdom can emerge from the lived experiences of ordinary individuals, challenging the elitism often associated with philosophical inquiry.
Who coined the term 'Sage Philosophy'?
A) Henry Odera Oruka
B) Kwame Nkrumah
C) Plato
D) John Mbiti
- 2. Sage Philosophy primarily draws from which cultural tradition?
A) Middle Eastern
B) Asian
C) African
D) European
- 3. Which country was Henry Odera Oruka from?
A) South Africa
B) Kenya
C) Nigeria
D) Ghana
- 4. Sage Philosophy challenges which misconception about Africa?
A) That Africa had no agriculture
B) That Africa had no languages
C) That Africa had no philosophy
D) That Africa had no art
- 5. What type of knowledge do sages primarily possess according to Oruka?
A) Historical dates
B) Philosophical wisdom
C) Mathematical theorems
D) Scientific formulas
- 6. Which university did Henry Odera Oruka teach at?
A) University of Nairobi
B) University of Oxford
C) University of Lagos
D) Harvard University
- 7. Sage Philosophy emphasizes what kind of reasoning?
A) Memorization-based
B) Emotional only
C) Superstitious
D) Critical and reflective
- 8. What was Oruka's main goal in developing Sage Philosophy?
A) Promote Western education
B) Decolonize African thought
C) Create new religion
D) Develop scientific method
- 9. Sages in Oruka's work are characterized by what?
A) Blind tradition following
B) Wealth accumulation
C) Political power
D) Critical independent thinking
- 10. Which book is Oruka most famous for?
A) Consciencism
B) The Wretched of the Earth
C) Things Fall Apart
D) Sage Philosophy
- 11. What distinguishes philosophical sages from folk sages?
A) Wealth
B) Critical reflection
C) Age
D) Education level
- 12. Oruka argued that African philosophy should be what?
A) Collective only
B) Based on revelation
C) Critical and individual
D) Imported from Europe
- 13. Oruka's methodology involved what approach?
A) Quantitative analysis
B) Laboratory research
C) Statistical sampling
D) Philosophic sagacity
- 14. What role do sages play in their communities?
A) Political rulers
B) Military leaders
C) Moral and intellectual guides
D) Business owners
- 15. Oruka's project began in which decade?
A) 1990s
B) 1970s
C) 1980s
D) 1950s
- 16. What type of questions do philosophical sages address?
A) Mathematical proofs
B) Technical specifications
C) Legal statutes
D) Fundamental life questions
- 17. Which aspect distinguishes Oruka's sages from traditional elders?
A) Critical reasoning ability
B) Age
C) Wealth
D) Community position
- 18. Sage Philosophy contributes to what field?
A) Molecular biology
B) Computer science
C) African philosophy
D) Quantum mechanics
- 19. What was the primary methodological approach Oruka used to document sage philosophy?
A) Archaeological excavation
B) Interviewing wise individuals
C) Textual analysis of ancient manuscripts
D) Laboratory experiments
- 20. Oruka distinguished sage philosophy from which other type of African philosophy?
A) Analytic philosophy
B) Phenomenology
C) Ethnophilosophy
D) Existentialism
- 21. Which Kenyan community did Oruka primarily work with for his research?
A) Kikuyu
B) Luo
C) Swahili
D) Maasai
- 22. Oruka's research method for Sage Philosophy emphasized:
A) Textual analysis only
B) Laboratory experiments
C) Statistical surveys
D) Dialogue with sages
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