Exploring the Concept of Chi in Igbo Ontology: A philosophical Inquiry

Abstract

The concept of Chi in Igbo ontology is one aspect of Igbo metaphysics that demands full philosophical exploration. Philosophers have at one time or the other reflected on the concept of chi. Reflections such as these can scarcely exhaust the meaning of chi in the various aspects of the life of the people. The meaning of chi is often associated with the Christian guardian Angel. The problem with this identification is that the chi concept does not lend itself to translation into other philosophical traditions. This has given rise to the use of various appellations to designate the same concept. This paper, therefore, examines these various designations of the meaning of the concept of chi and offers some critique with a view to highlighting their philosophic strength or otherwise, as well as the relevance of chi to Igbo people. The method of literary documentary evidence is employed in this philosophical inquiry.