| Abstract: | Like other data, political ideas need processing before they can be used. Much existing writing on 'African ideology' or 'African political thought' has been vitiated by failures in this respect. The author questions the belief that political statements and opinions can usefully and validly be brought together to form reasonably coherent intellectual theories, and that by examining such theories and their application the nature of political ideas and their role in African politics could be understood. A closer look at the circumstances under which these ideas are expressed, and the purposes for which they are used, is essential to any appreciation of their significance. Scheme of discussion: 'The ideologies of the developing nations' (ideologies as blueprints; ideologies as attitudes; the assumption of coherence; the class approach) - An alternative approach. Notes. |
AfricaBib 
Periodical article
Leiden University catalogue
WorldCat
