On the Similarities between Complementarism, Integrativism, and Conversationalism

Abstract Too much emphasis on the differences between scholars, their ideas, and theories has created some form of rift that seems to becloud the unity of purpose underlying these ideas, theories, and their proponents. This is the case both in the Western and African philosophical traditions. Against this backdrop, our aim in this work is to deemphasize the differences in the works of Innocent Asouzu, Godfrey Ozumba, and Jonathan Chimakonam, all of the Calabar School of Philosophy, by unveiling the similarities evident in their ideas and theories. This article argues that the similarities of their theories are more pronounced than their differences. The article identifies, among others, three major areas of convergence in complementary reflection, integrative humanism, and conversational thinking. First, the article shows that the theories are culturally inspired having been drawn from Igbo-African ontological and cultural worldview. Second, the article argues that the three theories are founded on the African idea of relationship. Third, this article demonstrates how the theories present themselves as viable alternatives to intercultural philosophy.