3.2 - A filosofia e a ciência nasceram na África - Introdução às filosofias africanas do direito

Summary

The video highlights the often overlooked origins of philosophy, tracing it back to Ancient Egypt (Kemet) rather than Greece. It discusses how key Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle acknowledged the contributions of Egyptians to mathematics, science, and philosophy. The video emphasizes that the roots of knowledge, including the term 'philosophy,' are African in origin. Additionally, it explores the concept of 'knowing nothing' through ancient Egyptian wisdom, demonstrating how ideas of humility in knowledge and the value of learning from everyone were fundamental in African philosophy long before Socrates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Philosophy did not originate in Greece but in Egypt, specifically in Kemet (ancient Egypt).
• 😀 The Greeks, including philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle, acknowledged the significant influence of Egyptian culture on philosophy and science.
• 😀 Socrates, through Plato's writings, credited Egyptians with the invention of numbers, geometry, astronomy, writing, and board games.
• 😀 Plato’s works indicate that he viewed the Egyptians and their intellectual contributions as foundational to Western philosophy.
• 😀 Aristotle recognized the Egyptians as pioneers in mathematics, laws, and political institutions.
• 😀 A text attributed to Aristotle, the 'Theology,' although not actually written by him, highlights the Egyptian contributions to understanding the world and intellect.
• 😀 Egyptian philosophers were recognized for their ability to perceive and explain the world with great wisdom, sometimes through instinctive or natural knowledge.
• 😀 The word 'philosophy' itself likely has African origins, specifically deriving from the word 'Sebá' meaning wisdom or wise in the African context.
• 😀 Socrates' famous phrase 'I know that I know nothing' reflects an ancient concept of acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge, also seen in Egyptian philosophy.
• 😀 The Egyptian philosopher Ptahhotep’s teachings suggest that wisdom is not about arrogance or complete knowledge, but about learning from everyone, regardless of their status.
• 😀 Egyptian philosophy, particularly the concept of incomplete knowledge, serves as a foundation for many Western philosophical ideas, including those attributed to Socrates.

Q & A

Where did philosophy originate according to the script?

According to the script, philosophy did not originate in Greece as commonly believed. Instead, it originated in Africa, specifically in ancient Egypt, known as Kemet.

What is the significance of the quote 'I know that I know nothing'?

The phrase 'I know that I know nothing' is attributed to Socrates and represents the concept of acknowledging one's own ignorance. However, the script points out that this idea existed long before Socrates, with similar thoughts found in ancient Egyptian wisdom, particularly in the writings of Ptahhotep.

Which philosopher is credited with discussing the Egyptian origins of philosophy in the script?

The script highlights that Plato, through the dialogues of Socrates, acknowledged the significant contributions of Egyptians to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and writing.

What role did Aristotle play in recognizing Egyptian contributions?

Aristotle recognized the importance of Egyptian culture, noting that mathematical arts, laws, and political institutions first developed in Egypt, some of which were later reinvented by other cultures.

What does the script reveal about Aristotle’s 'Theology'?

The 'Theology' attributed to Aristotle is likely not his work but rather that of the Arab philosopher Alind, who rewrote and translated works from Plotinus. In this text, the contribution of ancient Egyptians to philosophy is acknowledged.

What is the origin of the word 'philosophy' according to the script?

The script suggests that the word 'philosophy' has African roots, tracing its etymology to the word 'Sebá', which means wisdom or wise, linking it to African culture.

What is the significance of Ptahhotep's teachings?

Ptahhotep, an ancient Egyptian sage, expressed the idea of incomplete knowledge and the importance of humility in learning, which aligns with the idea attributed to Socrates: 'I know that I know nothing.' Ptahhotep emphasized that knowledge is always partial and that even the humblest person can teach something valuable.

What does the script suggest about ancient Egyptian contributions to mathematics and science?

The script suggests that the ancient Egyptians, particularly the 'Kemetians,' were pioneers in fields like mathematics, geometry, astronomy, and writing, as well as in the development of political and legal institutions.

How does the script challenge the traditional view of Greek contributions to philosophy?

The script challenges the traditional view by asserting that Greek philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle, acknowledged the foundational contributions of ancient Egypt to philosophy, law, and science, suggesting that Greece did not invent these ideas but rather inherited and developed them further.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of humility in knowledge?

The script emphasizes humility in knowledge through references to Ptahhotep's teachings, which stress that no one can claim to have complete knowledge, and that even the most humble or uneducated individuals have valuable lessons to teach.