UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS

Oct/Nov 2024

PLS1502

Introduction to African Philosophy

100 Marks
Duration 4 Hours

First examiners: Ms. G. Ndlazi Second examiner: Dr E Mkhwanazi

Ms. T Modiselle
Mr. M Lepuru

This paper consists of five (5) pages.

Particular instructions for this examination question paper:

1. This is a “take home”, open book examination. You have 4 hours to complete it.
2. This module is invigilated via the Invigilator App, and you must follow the instructions
pertaining to the Invigilator App.
3. Assessments invigilated by the Invigilator App require a student to activate the QR
code. The QR code is available for activation 15 minutes before the start time of the
examination and 30 minutes after the official start time of the examination. Students
who fail to activate the QR code within the available 45 minutes will be deemed not
to have used the invigilation or proctoring tools and will have their final marks
withheld.
4. The TurnItin Tool has been enabled.
5. This examination entails Two (2) sections. Students are expected to choose one (1)
question to answer in section 1 and one (1) question to answer in section 2.
6. Each essay should be between 900 - 1000 words in length.
7. Focus on responding to the question/topic. Make your argument in response to the
question. Provide appropriate references using the Harvard Method.
8. Type your name, student number and the module code on your examination script. Also
number your answers correctly.
9. Do not copy work from anyone else or from any other source.
10. Typing of essay is mandatory for this exam. our examination must be typed. Handwritten
essays are not accepted.
11. Your examination script should be uploaded in PDF format.
12. Your examination script should be uploaded within the allocated time, on the myExams
Tool (PLS1502-24-EX10: PLS1502-Exam Oct/Nov 2024 (unisa.ac.za)). Please submit one
version of your script and ensure that your script comprises of just one document.
13. Take a screenshot of your confirmation of submission as evidence of your submission.
14. Examination rules apply.
15. Please read Unisa's online examination rules carefully before the exam.
16. DO NOT forget to save your work as you are typing your essay.
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PLS1502

Date: 21 October 2024

INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DAY OF ASSESSMENT:

Ensure you are connected to the internet in order to log into the YOUR EXAM QR CODE & EXAM
ACCESS CODE
Invigilator App and scan this QR code.

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alternatively enter the Exam Access Code below the QR code
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you need to press the ‘Finish Assessment’ button and follow
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Scan the QR code at the start time of the assessment, unless

otherwise specified by your institution, note that you can only
Exam Access Code: 0cb67474
scan this QR code once.

The Invigilator App may request you to take photos of your

examination script after the assessment. Please follow the
instructions on the app and take note that your academic
institution may still require you to submit your script on the
relevant portal.

The QR code is only scannable for a limited time and it

should therefore be scanned as soon as possible after the
assessment commencement time.

Keep the Invigilator App open on your smartphone for the full duration of the assessment. You are not allowed to
minimise or leave the app during your assessment.

You must adhere to the assessment time limit communicated to you by your institution. The timer displayed in
the Invigilator may vary depending on the start time of invigilation.

FURTHER GUIDANCE

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Once the QR code is scanned, ensure your media volume is turned up and place your smartphone next to you.

The Invigilator App will notify you with a notification beep when you are required to action a photo request,
which you should then perform as soon as possible.

We recommend that you keep your smartphone on charge for the duration of the assessment.

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Ensure you are connected to the internet when commencing invigilation. You also need to be connected to the
internet at the end of the assessment in order to upload the app data.

If your assessment has multiple online sections, tests or attempts, you should NOT finish the invigilation until
your entire assessment has been completed.

Should you encounter any technical difficulty, please WhatsApp The Invigilator Helpdesk on +27 (0)73 505 8273

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Please ensure you adhere to the instructions below and on page 1.

General essay instructions:

1. Answer one (1) question from section A and one (1) question from section B.
2. Rely on and reference the prescribed readings in answering the questions.
3. Reference your essays using the Harvard referencing style.
4. Write your answers in the correct essay format (and do not write in bullet points).

Section A – CHOOSE ONLY ONE QUESTION TO ANSWER

QUESTION 1

1. In the study guide, we noted the following: “Africa speaks more of the West historical
experience with the peoples of the continent and much less of these people’s
experience of their own self-understanding” (Mkhwanazi: 2017:04). Discuss why the
historical experience of the West about Africa was problematic. In your discussion, tell
us how the experiences of the West affected the identity of African Philosophy.
Guideline Questions:

a. In your discussion, tell us how the West became the spokesperson of Africa and her
experiences.
b. How did these Western experiences of Africa affect the identity of African Philosophy?
[50 marks]

QUESTION 2

2. Contemporary African philosophy is characterized by an intimate relation with

European colonial languages such as English and French. According to Irele there are
two perspectives that dominate philosophical thought and discourse in contemporary
French-speaking Africa, namely the question of identity and the dilemma of modernity.
Critically discuss these two perspectives.

Guideline Questions:

a. Discuss the impact of Placide Tempels’ La Philosophie Bantoue/Bantu Philosophy and

Levy-Bruhl’sThe Primitive Mind on African philosophy in the development of the
identity of African philosophy.
b. In your essay make reference to the classification problems that appear in the various
trends in African philosophy. [50 marks]

Section B - CHOOSE ONLY ONE QUESTION TO ANSWER

QUESTION 3

3. Critically discuss the differences between radical and moderate communitarianism. In

your essay make reference to the debate between Kwame Gyekye and Ifeanyi Menkiti.

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Guidelines Questions:

a. Discuss the concept of radical and moderate communitarianism.

b. Discuss the debate between Kwame Gyekye and Ifeanyi Menkiti and why they differ
in their approach.
c. In your discussion indicate which version of communitarianism is suitable for
contemporary South Africa and why? [50 marks]

QUESTION 4

4. Compare and contrast the foundations of African morality with the Western conception
of ethics. In your essay also discuss the distinction between morality and ethics.

Guideline questions:

a. Discuss the concept of African and Western morality as referenced in the study guide.
b. Compare and contrast the foundations of African morality and Western morality.
c. Does morality have a role to play in contemporary South Africa? If so why, if not, why
not? [50 marks]

[50] + [50] = [100] Total marks

©
Unisa 2024

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