Thomisms in Contemporary Africa

The workshop is to explore the resources of the tradition in relation to the general theme of education for life in an African context. The workshop is open to all but particularly to those who wish critically to explore the philosophical dimensions of the tradition and its relation to the present. Hence, the theme: Twentieth Century Thomisms and Contemporary Philosophy.

The aim will be to examine both classical and contemporary Thomisms in dialogue with contemporary philosophical movements such as analytical philosophy, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and critical theory. Focus points could include the emergence of what is called ?Analytical Thomism? or the use of phenomenological methods in Thomism. At the same time Thomistic themes in ethics should be related to utilitarianism, deontology and analytical metaethics. The resurgence of metaphysics in the analytical tradition must be related to themes in Thomistic metaphysics and its personalism to Kantian and other approaches to human dignity, including approaches found in African philosophy. The continuing relevance of important thinkers such as Maritain and Gilson or Charles Taylor and MacIntyre are to be discussed. 

Contact:

Professors Gerard Walmsley and P. Harrison

The Philosophy Department

St. Augustine College

Johannesburg, South Africa

E-Mail: [email protected]