Innocent Izuchukwu Asouzu
is a Nigerian Igbo Catholic Priest and Philosopher; born on October 13,
1952 at the commercial Enyimba City of
Aba to the merchant family of Mazi
Charles Ijeoma Asouzu and Ezinne Juliana Anaezi Asouzu of Aro-ndizuogu.
After his philosophical
studies in Nigeria in 1975, he travelled to Austria to continue with his
postgraduate studies. He studied
Theology to M.A. level at the Theological Faculty of the University of
Innsbruck under the auspices of the Jesuits at Collegium Canisianum. During
this time, he came in contact with the writings of Paul Tillich, whose method
of correlation he admired, and the works of Wolfhart Pannenberg. His deep interest for social theory is
already evident in his M.A. Thesis in Philosophy titled, „Verstehen
gesellschaftlicher Handlungen durch Begründungsschritte“ (Rational Steps for
the Understanding of Social Action).
He did his doctorate studies in philosophy and sociology at the Geisteswissenschaftliche
Fakultät (Faculty of Humanities) of the University of Innsbruck where he
continued with his interest in social theory. His Ph.D. Dissertation was devoted to a critical
disagreement with some of the basic ideas of Erlangen School of Philosophy. The dissertation bore the
title “Gesellschaftliche Konflicktregelung Als Pragmatische Aufgabe. Eine kritische Betrachtung des Konstrutivismus”
(Practical Regulation of Social Conflicts. A Critical Consideration of
Constructivism). An extract from his dissertation was published by the Austrian
philosophical academy upon request under the title -- “Eine Analyse und kritische
Bewertung der Methode und des Prinzips der praktischen Argumentation Oswald
Schwemmers”. in: Conceptus, Journal of Philosophy, 18(1984) No. 44, pp. 85-103. Asouzu has
devoted his life towards working out a complementary social theory for the
regulation of conflicts and this has crystalized into his Ibuanyidanda
Philosophy or Complementary Reflection. The seminal ideas of his theory are already contained in his early
writings that include 1) “Kritische
Betrachtung des konstruktiven Wissenschaftstheorie. Erwägungen zu
praktisch-philosophischen Konfliktsregelungsstrategien” (A Critical
Consideration of the Constructive Philosophy of Science. Strategies towards
practical Philosophical Regulation of Conflicts) Georg Olms Publishers in
Hildesheim, Germany, 1984 2). “Gedanken über die religiöse Problematik der
Gegenwart im Licht der Theologie der Religionen” (Reflections On the
Contemporary Problems of Religion in the Light of Theology of Religions): In
this work on religion, Asouzu sought to offer insight into how mutual harmony
can be achieved in the co-existence of diverse religions of the world; a cause
that has always agitated his mind for which he was invited on November 30,
1995, to give a public lecture held in Feldbach, Austria and organised by
URANIA on "Meine Erfahrung im Zusammenleben mit Moslems" i.e.
"My experience living with moselms". Radio Gloria Switzerland equally
invited Asouzu in 2013 to deliver a scholarly lecture on ibuanyidanda
philosophy towards promotion of mutual coexistence among peoples. Asouzu spoke on the theme: “IBUANYIDANDA UND DIE
HERAUSFORDERUNGEN DER
DOPPELWERTIGKEIT UNSERER
LEBENSERFAHRUNGEN” i.e. “ibuanyidanda
and the ambivalent challenges of Life”
Prof. Asouzu was ordained
Catholic priest in Austria in 1979. On returning to Nigeria in 1986 he worked
briefly in his diocese, Aba, before taking a permanent teaching appointment at
the University of Calabar in 1988. He has since then been teaching at this
University and researching intensively into the theoretical preconditions of
mutual coexistence between units within any given framework. This gave rise to his ibuanyidanda
philosophy, in which he succeeded in articulating his idea into a system with
its own principles and method of investigating reality. Since the application
of Asouzu’s ibuanyidanda philosophy to African philosophy, African philosophy
has noticed tremendous positive changes as it steers a systematic course.
Variants of his complementary philosophy are trending among reputed African
philosophers who draw inspiration from his ideas. His wide raging influence in
African philosophy can be seen in Compatibility Theory, Integrative Humanism,
Consolationism, variants of tree valued logic, Ezumezu Logic, Harmonious
Monism, Conceptual Mandelisation etc. Besides, his ideas have influenced a new
generation of young ambitious scholars who are bent on changing the major
contours of African philosophy for good, as can be attested to by the number of
critical essays and works written on Asouzu’s Ibuanyidanda Philosophy
(Complementary Reflection) by professional national and international scholars
alike. The same can be said of the numerous Ph.D. Dissertations, M.A. Theses
and scientific projects that have been articulated on and around Asouzu’s
Ibuanyidanda Philosophy. The idea of complementarity which Asouzu espouses is
so important for African philosophy that Heinz Kimmerle designates it
as: “the specific contribution of African philosophy to world philosophy” (“An
Amazing Piece of Comparative Philosophy”. In: Confluence: Online Journal of
World Philosophies], pp221-223, 2014. Vol 1)
Fr. Prof. Asouzu, as a major
proponent of Complementary Philosophy (Ibuanyidanda) in contemporary African
Philosophy, has been consistent in developing his system as is shown in the
collection of his essays: “Ikwa Ogwe”.
Besides his numerous essays published in highly reputed national and
international journals, that reflect the systematic application of his thinking
to diverse areas of knowledge, Asouzu has tried to give a systematic account of
his thinking in his major books but most especially in these works: 1) The Method and Principles of Complementary
Reflection in and beyond African Philosophy. Lit Verlag, Münster, New
Brunswick, London, 2005. 533 pages. 2) “Redefining Ethnicity Within ‘The
Complementary System of Thought’ in African Philosophy”. In: Re-ethnicizing the
Minds? Cultural Revival in Contemporary Thought. Edited by Thorsten
Botz-Bornstein and Jürgen Hengelbrock. Amsterdam/New York, 2006. pp. 63-78. 3)
Ibuanyidanda. New Complementary Ontology. Beyond World-Immanentism,
Ethnocentric Reduction and Impositions. Litverlag, Münster, Zurich, New
Brunswick, London, 2007. 440 pages. 4) Ibuarụ. The Heavy Burden of
Philosophy beyond African Philosophy. Litverlag, Münster, Zurich, New
Brunswick, London, 2007. 335. 5) Ikwa
Ogwe. Essential Readings in Complementary Reflection. A systematic
methodological Approach. Saesprint
Publishers, Calabar, 2007. 439 pages. 6)
-- Ibuanyidanda (Complementary Reflection) and Some Basic Philosophical
Problems in Africa Today. Sense Experience, “ihe mkpuchi anya” and the
Super-maxim. Litverlag, Münster, Zurich, Vienna, 2013, 120 pages. For many
reputed scholars, Asouzu’s approach is a major breakthrough in what is known as
African philosophy. He was honoured with an award in 2014 by The Philosophical
Association of Nigeria in recognition of
his invaluable contributions to African philosophy.
As a member of University of Calabar community, Fr.
Prof. Asouzu has served meritoriously in various capacities as Head of
Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy (1996-1998), as the Dean of Arts
(2007-2009), and as a member of the University Senate, among others. He was the
priest in charge of St. Paul’s Parish, University of Calabar from 1987-1990. He
is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Philosophical
Association; National Association of African Religion and Culture; Catholic Theological
Association of Nigeria.
As a Roman Catholic priest, Fr. Asouzu has served as
pastor of souls in diverse capacities within an outside Nigeria.
Some Works on Innocent I. Asouzu
Ada, Agada:
Towards the 21st Century Globalisation of African Philosophy. The
Consolationist Manifsto and the New Testament from Africa: Athenaeum Library of
Philosophy (2010)
Akpan, Chris.
"Ambivalence of Human Existential Situation: A Veritable Index of Rational
Explanation". In: American Journal of Social and management Sciences,
Vol.2 No.1, March 2011, pp.1-10.
Akpan, Chris and Mary J. Egbai. Complementary ethical reflection and the ‘culture of
normalizing anomalies’ in Nigeria. in: Journal of Complementary Reflection:
Studies in Asouzu, October 2011 1/1
Akpan Chris and Lucky U. Ogbonna. "Between Sartre's Cat And Mouse
OntologyAnd Asouzu's Ibuanyidanda: How Not to
Implore Interpersonal
Relations". In American Journal of Social Issues
and Humanities. Vol. 3, Iss. 3, May 2013
Essien, Ephraim Stephen. The meanings of complementarity in physics and
philosophy and their intersection with compatibility principle. In: Journal of
Complementary Reflection: Studies in Asouzu, October 2011 1/1
Dimgba, Dimgba Esowe. Explanation, supernaturalism and complementary
rationality. In: Journal of Complementary Reflection: Studies in Asouzu,
October 2011 1/1
Edet, Mesembe. Being
as “missing links”. In: Journal of Complementary Reflection: Studies in Asouzu,
October 2011 1/1
Edor, John Edor. The legitimizing role of the concept of joy-of-being in Asouzu’s
complementary reflection and the socio-political philosophies of Locke and
Hobbes. In: Journal of Complementary Reflection: Studies in Asouzu, October
2011 1/1
Egbe, Chidimma Ogbonna. The epistemological implications of Asouzu’s
‘ima–onwe–onye” or “being–in–control”.
In: Journal of Complementary Reflection:Studies in Asouzu, October 2011 1/1
Enyimba, Maduka: Kant's Metaphysics of
Subjectivity and Asouzu's idea of "Joy
of Being".
http://frasouzu.com/Issues%20and%20Papers/Enyimba%20Maduka%20Kant%20and%20Asouzu.htm
Etta, Emmanuel Efem,
Joseph Nkang Ogar. Explanation
as a comprehensive task in complementary reflection. In: Journal of Complementary
Reflection: Studies in Asouzu, October 2011 1/1.
Emmanuel Efem Etta, Joseph Nkang Ogar. Being as being and complementary reflection. In: Journal of Complementary
Reflection:Studies in Asouzu, October 2011 1/1.
Ibrahim, Adekunle Adeshemola. Religious intolerance and Asouzu’s complementary
Ontolog. In: Journal of Complementary Reflection: Studies in Asouzu, October
2011 1/1
Ikegbu, Ephraim, Patrick Mbum, Francis Ofoegbu. Imperialism and the African desire for “ibuanyidanda”
for economic growth. In: Journal of Complementary Reflection: Studies in
Asouzu, October 2011 1/1
Njiofor Justin Chukwubude.
Peter Bodunrin on the Trends in African Philosophy. (M.A. Dissertation, 2009,
UNIPORT, Nigeria)
Okeke, Jonathan Chimakonam. Dissecting the character of “danda” the ant and
neutralizing the philosophy of missing links: An “egbe n’ ugo” conundrum. In:
Journal of Complementary Reflection: Studies in Asouzu, October 2011 1/1
Chimakonam, O.
Jonathan. Introducing African
Science. Systematic and Philosophical Approach: Studies in African Philosohy,
Science, Logic and Mathematics, Vol One. Author House, Bloomington, IN, 2012.
Ozumba, Godfrey. Philosophy and Method of Integrative Humanism. Calabar, Joechrisam
Publishers, 2010.
Ozumba, Godfrey and Ahamefula Ephraim Ikegbu. The Insufficiency of Humans and the Logic of
Complementarity in the 21st Century. In: Integrative Humanism Journal, Vol. 2,
No. 1. 2012.
Ukagba G. and Nnabueze U. Universalism, Relativism and Intercultural
Philosophy. A Complementary Reflection. In Amamihe. Journal of Applied
Philosophy. Vol 9, San Press,
2011.
Some important Conference Papers on
Ibuanyidanda Philosophy
(Complementary Reflection):
Asouzu Innocent. “Science and African Metaphysics: A
Search for Direction” at the
20th World Congress of Philosophy (WCP),
Boston USA, 10-18 August, 1998
-
“The Challenges of Super-maxim to Judgment and
Actions" at the 2008 Biennial General Meeting and Conference of the
Nigerian Philosophical Association (NPA) University of Calabar, October 8-11,
2008
Peter Daniel Edeh. “The Concept of
‘Akpang’ and Ontological
Boomerang Effect: A Complementary
Reflection in African
Philosophy” at the 23 World Congress of Philosophy (WCP) ,
Athens (Zografos) 4-10 August 2013
Mesembe Edet and
Chima Uduma. “System Building in Contemporary
African Philosophy. The
Ibuanyidanda Approach” at the 23 World Congress of Philosophy (WCP) , Athens
(Zografos) 4-10 August 2013
Ephraim Stephen
Essien. “The meaning of Complementarity in Physics and
African Philosophy and their
Intersection with Compatibility Theory” at the 23 World Congress of Philosophy
(WCP) , Athens (Zografos) 4-10 August 2013
Some important research Works in
Ibuanyidanda Philosophy
(Complementary Reflection):
Ekpo Benjamin Akaninyene. Leadership and Self-interest in Asouzu: Its Relevance
to the Nigerian Situation (B.A. Thesis 2005)
Egbai
Uti Ojah. Complementarity as a Panacea to Contemporary Problems in Physics
(M.A. Dissertation, 2005).
Esu Thomas Ejamot. The Dialectics in Asouzu’s Complementary Reflection and the Principle
of Contradiction. A Critique (M.A. Dissertation, 2006).
Inyang Ofem John. Kant’s Categorical Imperative:
A Principle for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (Ph.D. Dissertation, 2006).
Onwubuariri, Francis. Appraising the Osu Caste System in Igbo Land within
the Context of Complementary Reflection (B.A. Thesis 2007)
Eze
Felix Chibueze. Asouzu’s Concept of Missing Link as a Panacea to the
Problem of Socio-political Fragmentation in Nigeria (B.A. Thesis 2008)
- Akpan Christopher Offong. An Appraisal of Asouzu’s Complementary
Reflection as a Model of Explanation for Social Sciences (Ph.D. Dissertation,
2008).
- Ibrahim
Shakiru Adeshemola. Religious Intolerance and Asouzu's Complementary Ontology.
A Philosophical Appraisal of The Nigerian Experience (M.A. Dissertation, 2009)
- Edor John Edor. An Application of Asouzu’s Complementary Reflection
in the Development of an International Jurisprudence. Focus on the United
Nations Charter (Ph. D. Dissertation, 2010).
- Odok Joseph Abang. An Application of Asouzu’s Complementary
Reflection to the Niger Delta Question: Implications for Peace, Security
and Development in Nigeria (M.A.
Dissertation, 2008).
- Mesembe
Ita Edet. The Application of the Methodology of Complementary Reflection in
an Enquiry Concerning Traditional African Cultural Values and the Development
of Afrixiology (Ph.D. Dissertation 2009)
- Solomon Kingsley Christopher. Logical Positivist Critique of
Metaphysics and the Idea of Missing Link in Asouzu´s Ibuanyidanda Philosophy
(M.A. Dissertation 2012).
- Ogbonnaya Lucky Uchenna. A Comparative Analysis of the Notion of
Being in Sartre’s and Asouzu’s Metaphysics (M.A. Dissertation 2013).
Oguh Ifeanyi Joseph, „Ibuanyidanda Philosophy a Rationale for Separation of Powers in
Nigerian Democracy“ ( Ph.D. Dissertation
2013)
Etta Peter Tawor. “An Application of Asouzu’s Complementary Ontology to the Problem of
Ethnic idolization in Nigeria (M.A. Dissertation 2013)
Some important controversies on
Ibuanyidanda philosophy
(Complementary Reflection):
Gmainer-Pranzl:
zu: Innocent Izuchukwu Asouzu: The Method and Principles of Complementary
Reflection in and beyond African Philosophy. In: Polylog. Zeitschrift für interkulturelles
Philosophieren. 15 (2006).
Graness, Anke. Einleitung zu H.
Kimmerle: „Die schwere Last der Komplementarität in: In: Polylog. Zeitschrift für interkulturelles
Philosophieren. 19, 2008
Kimmerle Heinz: Die schwere Last
der Komplementarität: Antwort auf Innocent I. Asouzus Kritik an der
interkulturellen Philosophie. In: Polylog. Zeitschrift für interkulturelles
Philosophieren. 19, 2008
Some highlights from the media:
20th May 2011 7 pm: Interview on Nigerian
Television (NTA), Calabar on the basic
assumptions of Ibuanyidanda Philosophy
25th January 2013, 11.00 - 11. 50am:
- Invited Public lecture
on Ibuanyidanda Philosophy: Broadcast
live over Radio Gloria, Switzerland (available worldwide over live-Streams in
internet). Topic:
“Ibuanyidanda und die Herausforderungen der Doppelwertigkeit unserer
Lebenserfahrungen”. Lecture billed for repeat-broadcast.
Some Known Ongoing
Research Works 2014 -
Imo State
University, Owerri
“Igbo Communitarianism: An Appraisal of Asouzu’s Ibuanyidanda Philosophy”
PhD. Dissertation by Innocent C. Egwutuorah. Moderators: Prof. J. I. Okonkwo
and Prof. G. E. Ekwuru
University of Port
Harcourt, Nigeria
"Common Good in Julius Nyerere's Ujamaa and Innocent Asouzu's Complementary
Reflection: Implications for Nigeria's Development". PhD Dissertation by
Njiofor, Justin Chukwubude. Supervisors: Dr. Edward U. Ezedike and Dr.
Christian C. Emedolu.
Bigard Major
Seminary Enugu
"Ibuanyidanda: A Super Maxim that Limits our Judgemental Objective
" B.A. Dissertation by Emmanuel Chinemerem. Moderator: Rev. Dr. Ohajiobodo
Oko
Seat of Wisdom
Seminary, Owerri
Nwabueze Emmanuel Chijioke. A Critique of Contextualism and Absolutism in Asouzu
(B.A. Thesis 2013)
University of
Calabar, Calabar
“A Comparison of Complementary Reflection and Integrative Humanism”. M.A.
Dissertation by Friday Achu. Moderator: Prof. Godfrey Ozumba
“An Ontological Deconstruction of Androcentrism and Mysogynism in the
Context of Asouzu’s Complementary Reflection”. M. A. Dissertation by Ujoh, E.
Raphael. Moderator: Prof. Olu-Jacob
“Application of Asouzu’s Complementarism on Policy-Making in Nigeria”.
B.A. Dissertation by Emmanuel Michael. Moderator: Dr. Asira Asira.
“A Critique of Descartes’s Notion of Truth using Asouzu’s Complementary
Reflection”. M.A. Dissertation by Offiong George Michael. Moderator: Dr. A. E.
Asira
“A. J. Ayer’s Verificationism and Quest for Ibuanyidanda Integrative
Interpretation of Science”. Ph.D.
Dissertation by Solomon Kingsley Christoper. Moderator: Fr. Prof. Asouzu
“Asouzu’s Ibuanyidanda Philosophy: An Alternative Approach to the
Practice of Education in Nigeria”. Ph.D. Dissertation by Ezeugwu, Umezurike
John. Moderators: Prof. A. F. Uduigwomen and Dr. M. I. Mesembe
“An Appraisal of the Metaphysical Foundation of African Logic from the
Perspective of Ibuanyidanda Ontology”.
Ph.D. Dissertation by Lucky U. Moderators: Prof. C. O. Ijiomah and Dr. J. O.
Chimakonam.
“The notion of being in African Philosophy. An Appraisal from the
perspective of Asouzu’s Ibuanyidanda”.
M.A. Dissertation by Udo, Stephen Stanislaus. Moderator: Fr. Prof. Asouzu.
“An appraisal of Whitehead’s Process Philosophy in the Light of Asuzu’s
Ibuanyidanda”. M..A. Dissertation by Aniah, Michael Leo. Moderator: Fr. Prof.
Asouzu.
“A Comparative Analysis of Plato’s Concept of Education and Innocent
Asouzu’s Noetic Propaedetic” M.A. Dissertation byUshingio Peter Ushingio.
Moderator Dr. Mesembe Ita Edet
“The Schism between Natural Theory and Legal Positivism: Towards
Complementary Jurisprudence” by Odok, Joseph Abang” Ph.D. Dissertation.
Moderators Prof. G.O, Ozumba and Dr. J. E. Edor.
Asouzu’s Ibuanyidanda Philosophy as an Alternative Approach to Problem of
Education in Nigeria” Ph.D. Dissertation by Ezugwu, Umezurike. Moderators Prof.
A. F. Uduigwomen and Dr. M. I. Edet
“A Comparative Analysis of Coherentist Criterion of Knowledge and
Innocent Asouzu’s Complementary Ontology and its implications for Human
Society” Ph.D. Dissertation by Ujoh Emmanuel R. Moderators Dr M. I. Edet and
Prof. A. F. Uduigwomen
Ibuanyidanda
Journal: “Journal of Complementary
Reflection: Studies in Asouzu” Published by the Department of Classics and
Philosophy, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.