An intercultural dialogue with Kant. Philosophy, meaning of life, and the shared project of humanity in African philosophy

Within the scope of an intercultural dialogue African philosophy is engaging critically with Kant’s central concepts. Kant’s philosophy, which prioritises the practical, has much in common with contemporary African philosophy. This practical relevance of philosophy provides an explanation for the strong interest in ethical, social, historical and political areas of philosophy; in questions relating to practical life and in visions for the future. Philosophy encompasses a specific mindset, which is based on openness and freedom, aspiring to improve human coexistence. According to Kwasi Wiredu it is the place for dialogues which are determined by reason and require an argumentative basis, rationality and the willingness to explore the positions of the dialogue partners and which aim to arrive at productive solutions to conflicts. Kant’s ethical and epistemic universalism is, among other things, a central topic in Wiredu’s work, which seeks to retain to epistemic and moral universalism while also expanding it to include cultural universalism. This essay explores which concepts concerning the term philosophy; the purpose of human beings; the meaning of life and their political implications, − e.g. also as regards human rights, can be identified in contemporary academic African philosophy.