In recent years, the philosophy of the Yoruba culture as presented by Sophie Oluwole is becoming increasingly popular. Remarkable is the concept of ‘the unity of the opposites’. For example, both good and bad are essential to the nature of existence, functioning as complementary opposites. There is therefore more room for doubt and paradoxes in Yoruba culture. They are less seen as weakness, compared to other cultures and this leads to a different outlook on life: opposites don’t need to be resolved, you have to ‘live in them’.
After a short introduction to the concept of the unity of opposites, we will explore with the audience what this different perspective can bring for their daily lives. Mosima and Haenen published Afrikaanse Filosofie, which is on the shortlist of the Socrates award for the best philosophy book of 2025.
Pius Mosima studied philosophy and political science in Cameroon and received his PhD from Tilburg University. He lectures at several universities in the Netherlands, including the Vrije Universiteit, and publishes academic articles on African philosophy.
Henk Haenen studied history and philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he received his PhD in African thought. He worked in secondary education for over forty years. He has published several books and articles that present African philosophy from various perspectives.
Louise Müller is a university lecturer at Leiden University. She is an expert on the work of Nigerian philosopher Sophie Olúwolé.