Guest Lecture by Anke Graneß: “Knowledge Beyond the Written Word: African Epistemologies and Philosophical Discours”

Focusing on African contexts, this lecture analyzes the epistemic significance of oral indigenous knowledge systems and their role in broadening our understanding of legitimate philosophical practices beyond written traditions. Alternative epistemologies recognize diverse forms of knowing, grounding knowledge in local histories, practices, and experiences. The lecture examines how orality shapes conceptions of wisdom, knowledge, and knowledge production in African philosophical discourses. Historically—and often contemporarily—African epistemologies are characterized by communal orientation, an emphasis on lived experience, and reliance on oral transmission, in contrast to the literate, text-centered traditions of ‘Western’ philosophy. By discussing selected case studies, the lecture demonstrates how oral forms and indigenous conceptual schemes constitute rich, though frequently marginalized, philosophical resources. In conclusion, it advocates a critical reassessment of philosophical canons and epistemological standards, calling for the recognition and integration of a plurality of philosophical practices and traditions.

Anke Graneß is professor of philosophy at the University of Hildesheim and one of the co-directors of the DFG-funded Centre for Advanced Studies “Philosophizing in a Globalized World – Historical and Systematic Perspectives”. Her research interests include history of philosophy, philosophy in Africa, intercultural philosophy, global justice and feminist theory. Her recent publications include Philosophie in Afrika. Herausforderungen einer globalen Philosophiegeschichte (Suhrkamp 2023).

More information here.