The Evolution of African Philosophical Thought in Post-Colonial Cape Verde: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry

Cape Verde, a small archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, has experienced significant changes since its post-colonial era, influenced by both African and European philosophical traditions. The research employs a combination of qualitative interview analysis and quantitative sociological surveys. Interviews were conducted with 50 Cape Verdean philosophers and cultural practitioners, while survey responses came from a representative sample of 2,000 residents to gauge current philosophical engagement and cultural practices. Interviews revealed themes such as the integration of indigenous beliefs with Christian influences, reflected in narratives about environmental stewardship and community cohesion. Quantitative data showed that 85% of respondents engaged with at least one traditional African philosophy during their daily lives. The study concludes that Cape Verdean society has developed a unique philosophical landscape characterized by the fusion of indigenous and colonial influences, emphasising communal values like environmental stewardship and intergenerational wisdom. Further research could focus on assessing the impact of these evolving philosophies on contemporary societal issues such as climate change adaptation and social cohesion. African philosophy, Cape Verde, post-colonial studies, mixed-methods study