An African Philosophy of Personhood, Morality, and Politics

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-x

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 1-16

3. A Conceptual Mapping of Personhood

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 17-35

4. An Exposition of Personhood as Moral Theory

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 37-69

5. Personhood: Partiality or Impartiality?

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 71-92

6. Personhood and Options in African Moral Thought

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 93-116

7. Personhood and Dignity in African Philosophy

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 117-143

8. Personhood as a Political Theory of Duties

   • Motsamai Molefe

   Pages 145-172

9. Back Matter

   Pages 173-179

   PDF

This book explores the salient ethical idea of personhood in African philosophy. It is a philosophical exposition that pursues the ethical and political consequences of the normative idea of personhood as a robust or even foundational ethical category. Personhood refers to the moral achievements of the moral agent usually captured in terms of a virtuous character, which have consequences for both morality and politics. The aim is not to argue for the plausibility of the ethical and political consequences of the idea of personhood. Rather, the book showcases some of the moral-political content and consequences of the account it presents.

• Menkiti
• Gyekye
• MacNaughton
• Tshivhase
• Wiredu
• Kylimcka

“Much of the influential work in African moral and political philosophy, e.g., by Gyekye and Wiredu, has made action foundational, prescribed impartial treatment, deemed rights to be central, and argued against supererogation. In contrast, Motsamai Molefe makes virtue foundational, prescribes partiality, deems duties to be central, and argues for supererogation. Molefe’s novel positions, clearly and plausibly advanced, are welcome additions to the field.” (Thaddeus Metz, Distinguished Professor, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

“Motsamai Molefe’s contribution to the debate on personhood is timely and refreshing. His choice to explore the normative basis of the concept is well-informed as he shows the importance of understanding the implications of this position on a number of topics that have a bearing on both ontology and political philosophy. He succeeds in outlining previously unexplored terrain in a way that demonstrates mastery of the subject and will certainly steer the debate on personhood towards a new and relevant direction.” (Bernard Matolino, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa)

 

• University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

  Motsamai Molefe

Motsamai Molefe lectures at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Policies and ethics