- 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) John Mbiti
B) Plato
C) Kwame Nkrumah
D) Henry Odera Oruka
- 2. Sage Philosophy primarily draws from which cultural tradition?
A) European
B) Middle Eastern
C) Asian
D) African
- 3. Which country was Henry Odera Oruka from?
A) Ghana
B) Kenya
C) Nigeria
D) South Africa
- 4. Sage Philosophy challenges which misconception about Africa?
A) That Africa had no philosophy
B) That Africa had no agriculture
C) That Africa had no art
D) That Africa had no languages
- 5. What type of knowledge do sages primarily possess according to Oruka?
A) Historical dates
B) Scientific formulas
C) Mathematical theorems
D) Philosophical wisdom
- 6. Which university did Henry Odera Oruka teach at?
A) Harvard University
B) University of Nairobi
C) University of Lagos
D) University of Oxford
- 7. Sage Philosophy emphasizes what kind of reasoning?
A) Emotional only
B) Superstitious
C) Memorization-based
D) Critical and reflective
- 8. What was Oruka's main goal in developing Sage Philosophy?
A) Develop scientific method
B) Decolonize African thought
C) Create new religion
D) Promote Western education
- 9. Sages in Oruka's work are characterized by what?
A) Wealth accumulation
B) Blind tradition following
C) Critical independent thinking
D) Political power
- 10. Which book is Oruka most famous for?
A) The Wretched of the Earth
B) Sage Philosophy
C) Consciencism
D) Things Fall Apart
- 11. What distinguishes philosophical sages from folk sages?
A) Wealth
B) Age
C) Education level
D) Critical reflection
- 12. Oruka argued that African philosophy should be what?
A) Critical and individual
B) Imported from Europe
C) Based on revelation
D) Collective only
- 13. Oruka's methodology involved what approach?
A) Laboratory research
B) Philosophic sagacity
C) Statistical sampling
D) Quantitative analysis
- 14. What role do sages play in their communities?
A) Military leaders
B) Moral and intellectual guides
C) Political rulers
D) Business owners
- 15. Oruka's project began in which decade?
A) 1990s
B) 1950s
C) 1970s
D) 1980s
- 16. What type of questions do philosophical sages address?
A) Mathematical proofs
B) Legal statutes
C) Fundamental life questions
D) Technical specifications
- 17. Which aspect distinguishes Oruka's sages from traditional elders?
A) Wealth
B) Community position
C) Age
D) Critical reasoning ability
- 18. Sage Philosophy contributes to what field?
A) Computer science
B) Quantum mechanics
C) Molecular biology
D) African philosophy
- 19. What was the primary methodological approach Oruka used to document sage philosophy?
A) Laboratory experiments
B) Textual analysis of ancient manuscripts
C) Archaeological excavation
D) Interviewing wise individuals
- 20. Oruka distinguished sage philosophy from which other type of African philosophy?
A) Ethnophilosophy
B) Existentialism
C) Phenomenology
D) Analytic philosophy
- 21. Which Kenyan community did Oruka primarily work with for his research?
A) Swahili
B) Maasai
C) Kikuyu
D) Luo
- 22. Oruka's research method for Sage Philosophy emphasized:
A) Dialogue with sages
B) Statistical surveys
C) Textual analysis only
D) Laboratory experiments
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