Final answer:
African philosophy refers to the diverse philosophical thoughts and traditions from all regions of Africa, both from ancient times and influenced by various historical events including colonialism and the slave trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
When referring to African philosophy, we are discussing a body of thought encompassing the philosophical traditions and ideas from the entire African continent, including Northern, Sub-Saharan, Eastern, Western, Central, and Southern regions. It is also inclusive of the philosophies of African peoples living elsewhere in the world that are rooted in African concepts.
African philosophy emerged from ancient civilizations such as Egypt and has been influenced by various historical factors like colonialism, the slave trade, and the spread of religions like Islam and Christianity throughout the continent. Some African philosophies have been documented and are known through written evidence, like ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, while others have been preserved through oral traditions. The works of Western-educated African philosophers, such as Stefano Kaoze, have also contributed to the engagement with African philosophies and their inclusion in the broader philosophical discourse.