Title African witchcraft and otherness : a philosophical and theological critique of intersubjective relations / Elias Kifon Bongmba

Published Albany : State University of New York Press, 2001

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Description 1 online resource (xxvii, 224 pages) : illustrations, maps Contents Chapter 1 The Wimbum People 1 -- Chapter 2 Toward a Hermeneutics of Wimbum Tfu 17 -- Chapter 3 Beyond the Rationality Debate to Contextual Ethics 55 -- Chapter 4 Levinas on the Ethics of the Other 71 -- Chapter 5 Toward a Philosophical and Theological Critique of Tfu 101 -- Appendix Different Levels of Tfu Knowledge 171 Summary "This work of African philosophy and theology uses the thought of Emmanuel Levinas to provide an analysis of tfu (witchcraft) among the Wimbum people of Cameroon along with a critique of intersubjective relations. Taking an approach he calls "critical contextualism," author Elias Bongmba employs Levinas's philosophy, particularly the concept of the Other, to engage in cross-cultural philosophy that does not destroy the perspective of the culture under study. Insights from anthropology, African studies, and the author's own experiences are also important throughout the book. Bongmba discusses the cultural background of the Wimbum people and explores the concepts and terms used to discuss the acquisition of several categories of power generally described as tfu. Bongmba argues that when properly explored and understood, these terms refer to complex practices that involve power that can be used for good and power that can be abused Drawing from Levinas, the author demonstrates that negative use of tfu constitutes a totalizing praxis. He goes on to endorse Levinas's call for a phenomenology of eros as a way of reconfiguring interpersonal relationships."--Jacket Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 179-209) and indexes Notes English Print version record Subject Lévinas, Emmanuel -- Ethics SUBJECT Lévinas, Emmanuel fast Subject Witchcraft -- Cameroon -- Donga and Mantung Limbum (African people) -- Religion Interpersonal relations -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Cameroon -- Donga and Mantung BODY, MIND & SPIRIT -- Magick Studies. BODY, MIND & SPIRIT -- Witchcraft & Wicca. Ethics Interpersonal relations -- Moral and ethical aspects Limbum (African people) -- Religion Witchcraft Social Sciences. Parapsychology & Occult Sciences. SUBJECT Donga and Mantung (Cameroon) -- Religious life and customs Subject Cameroon -- Donga and Mantung Form Electronic book LC no. 00067103 ISBN 0791449890 9780791449899 0791449904 9780791449905 0791490505 9780791490501

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