Considering the possibility of African philosophical counselling rooted in African hermeneutics and conversationalism

Abstract

Contemporary philosophical counselling literature is undergoing continuous expansion through the introduction of new and established philosophical traditions. However, certain traditions remain inadequately represented in the existing literature, most notably African philosophy. This current deficiency, if adequately acknowledged, presents
an immensely creative opportunity for the expansion of philosophical counselling. Drawing on the hermeneutical work of Tsenay Serequeberhan and conversational philosophy as offered by Jonathan Chimakonam, I propose to introduce a notion of African philosophy that roots itself in the horizon (philosophical place) of philosophical counsellors enmeshed in dynamic conversations with counselees also rooted in and speaking from a specific horizon. Various contemporary philosophical counselling practises fail to grasp the importance of the very rootedness and origins of these philosophisings, subsequently failing to foster an environment conducive to the creation of new concepts and ways of becoming. Philosophical counselling underpinned and informed by this understanding of African philosophy emphasises the collaborative nature of the interpretative endeavour that originates from and is rooted in the concrete lifeworld of a counselee.