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