( this is the assignment brief ) Using any one of the themes taught in this course from Week 8 – Week 12; give a coherent critical evaluation of the main arguments in your chosen reading. Your essay must illustrate what it good or bad, convincing or unconvincing about the arguments in your chosen article. You must motivate your judgments using well-reasoned arguments, and provide counterarguments. You must show possible links with other views presented in the course. In your essay, you must show in depth understanding of the reading you chose. You MUST supplement your with at least two other sources – books and/or journal articles
“Evaluating Realism in Beliefs: A Critical Analysis of Sophie Oluwole’s Argument on the Existence of Witches in African Philosophy”
This essay would explore the arguments presented by Sophie Oluwole regarding the existence and belief in witches within African cultures as contrasted with Western skepticism. It would critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Oluwole’s arguments about the metaphysical versus empirical realities of witchcraft. The essay should also discuss how Oluwole addresses the notion of reality, particularly how abstract concepts can manifest in concrete realities, and the implications of such beliefs on both African and Western epistemologies.
Additionally, you could explore the methodological differences between African traditional beliefs and Western scientific approaches as discussed by Oluwole, and reflect on the broader philosophical question of what constitutes ‘reality’. This would involve analyzing how Oluwole justifies the belief in witches beyond empirical evidence, comparing this justification to the acceptance of religious beliefs and other non-empirical knowledge systems.
In the essay, you should aim to connect Oluwole’s views with other philosophical perspectives introduced in your course, examining how these differing views on reality and knowledge might influence our understanding of beliefs that are culturally and historically situated. This topic not only allows for a critical analysis of Oluwole’s text but also encourages a deeper philosophical inquiry into the nature of belief, reality, and the potential limits of empirical knowledge.
