The study of the origins of Philosophy has often focused on the contributions of Greek Philosophers such as Thales, Plato, and Socrates.
However, an emerging body of research, pioneered by Dr. Theophile Obenga, sheds light on the profound influence of African Philosophy, specifically Kemetic Philosophy on the development of Greek Philosophy.
According to Dr Theophile Obenga, the African origins of Philosophy in Kemet (Egypt) can be seen by examining the Pyramid and Coffin Texts (Book Of The Dead) from the Old Kingdom which reveal an Ancient Egyptian Kemetic Philosophy on the origins of existence, centred around the concept of the Nun, and the Will of The One Supreme Creator expressed in accordance with Maat (Divine Law/Order).
We will see how these ideas from African Philosophy in Kemet influenced Greek Philosophers and the subsequent development of Greek Civilization.
Ancient Egyptian Philosophy In Kemet
In Kemet, philosophy was deeply intertwined with Kemetic Spirituality and the pursuit of understanding the mysteries of existence.
Dr. Theophile Obenga’s research reveals that Egyptian Kemetic Philosophy was rooted in the belief that the universe sprang forth from the primordial waters called the Nun. The Nun represented the limitless pre-Configured potential from which Creation emerges.
The Will of The One Supreme Creator, symbolized by the Neter Deity Ptah, manifests the Universe/Creation through the exercise of his Divine Will or Thought To Create from the Nun by using the Creative power of Words spoken into the Nun to invoke/manifest the Creation from within the Nun into the Objective Realm of Existence according to the Laws of Maat (Cosmic Order).
Central to Ancient Egyptian Kemetic Philosophy and thus Kemetic Spirituality was the concept of Maat, which represented the principles of Truth, Justice, and Cosmic Order.
The Laws of Maat governed both the physical and spiritual realms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the need to maintain harmony and balance.
Kemetic Philosophy thus recognized the importance of ethical behaviour and the pursuit of righteousness as fundamental aspects of human existence and creation.
Influence Of Kemetic African Philosophy On Greek Philosophers
The ideas and principles of African Egyptian Kemetic Philosophy exerted a profound influence on Greek Philosophers, who recognized the wisdom and knowledge of the Kemetians.
Thales, often considered the first Greek Philosopher, is believed to have travelled to Kemet to learn from the Egyptian Priests. The concepts of the One Creator/Will and the Laws of Maat resonated with Greek thinkers and influenced the development of their own Philosophical ideas.
Plato, one of the most renowned Greek Philosophers, is believed to have been influenced by ancient Egyptian philosophy during his travels to Kemet. Plato’s theory of Forms or Ideas, which posited that reality is a reflection of timeless and universal concepts, can be seen as drawing inspiration from the Egyptian emphasis on cosmic principles and the interconnectedness of all things.
Socrates, another influential Greek Philosopher, was known for his emphasis on ethics and moral philosophy. His teachings focused on the pursuit of virtue, the examination of one’s beliefs, and the importance of self-knowledge. These ideas align with the ancient Egyptian emphasis on ethical behavior and the Laws of Maat, suggesting a possible influence of Kemetic Philosophy on Socratic thought.
The influence of Kemetic Philosophy thus impacted the broader development of Greek Civilization.
Greek Scholars travelled to Kemet to study Mathematics, Astronomy, Medicine, and Philosophy, recognizing the advanced knowledge and wisdom of the Egyptian Black African Civilization in Kemet. The exchanges between Kemet and Greece contributed to the intellectual and cultural flourishing of Ancient Greek society as pointed in works such a Bernal’s Black Athena on the Egyptian Origins of Classical Greek Civilization.
Conclusion
The research of Dr. Theophile Obenga through the examination of Pyramid and Coffin Texts as well as other important Egyptian Artefacts such as the Shabaka Stone provides compelling evidence for the African origins of Philosophy in Kemet.
The concepts of the Nun, the One Creator/Will, and the Laws of Maat served as the foundation of Egyptian Kemetic Philosophy and Spirituality, influencing Greek Philosophers such as Thales, Plato, and Socrates.
The exchanges between Kemet and Greece facilitated the development of Greek civilization and contributed to the intellectual and cultural flourishing of the Ancient world.
By recognizing the African origins of Philosophy in Kemet, we can challenge prevailing narratives, promote a more inclusive understanding of human history, and celebrate the contributions of African Civilizations to world Civilization.
This acknowledgement allows us to embrace the interconnectedness of Ancient civilizations and encourages us to continue exploring the diverse intellectual traditions that have shaped our world.
By honouring the African roots of Philosophy, we expand our perspectives and foster a more comprehensive understanding of the human quest for knowledge and wisdom.
