Defense Date

7-2-2020

Graduation Date

Summer 8-8-2020

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Philosophy

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

JAY LAMPERT

Committee Member

GEORGE YANCY

Committee Member

MOLEFI KETE ASANTE

Committee Member

BRIAN CRONIN

Keywords

Beti, So, planetary civilisation, Eyo, Mvett, Zen, Kara olere, Akoa Mfula

Abstract

Thinkers generally treat the concept of “philosophy” as a transparent term, defining it as the love of wisdom. However, a quick look at etymological dictionaries and Greek philosophers like Plato or Aristotle leads us nowhere. In other words, we are faced with a semantic conundrum. The verdict is discomforting: “philosophy” is not a Greek concept, and its etymology remains unknown.

This dissertation attempts to decipher that mystery. It leads us to the Afrikan terrain under the guidance of Cheikh Anta Diop and the Beti Mvett through a direct trans-disciplinarian (cultural, monogenetic, historical, linguistic, etc.) Afrosofian methodology.

Ultimately, the Beti So clarifies our quest, unveiling the Mvettean (self-surpassing) process of solarization, that is, enlightenment/civilization as the purifying “fire” of planetary barbarism in all its forms (ideological, geo-ethical, economic, or political).

Language

English

Previous Versions

Aug 14 2020

Share

COinS