Deliberative Agency: A Study in Modern African Political Philosophy

In this innovative study, philosopher Uchenna Okeja proposes that public deliberation, a widely accepted practice in African societies to resolve legal matters, reconcile feuding groups, and restore harmony, should be the foundation of a new system of African political philosophy. He suggests that the best way to reimagine and harness the idea of public deliberation is to see it as the performance of agency, placing agency at the core of a new political life in Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In this groundbreaking and highly original study, public deliberation, highly valued by many African societies, emerges as the cornerstone of a new system of African political philosophy. Philosopher Uchenna Okeja presents a novel approach to constructing a new political center by building it around the ubiquitous African practice of public deliberation, a widely accepted means to resolve legal matters, reconcile feuding groups, and reestablish harmony.

In cities, hometown associations, and voluntary organizations across Africa, the task of fostering deliberation among African groups takes center stage for various purposes. Some instances involve deliberation as a means to settle disputes, while others focus on determining the best course of action to address unfortunate incidents such as death.

Through a meticulous and comparative analysis, Deliberative Agency makes a compelling argument that the most effective way to reimagine and harness the idea of public deliberation, based on current experiences in Africa, is to perceive it as the performance of agency. By placing agency at the core of a new political life in Africa, this study offers a transformative vision for the future of political discourse and governance on the continent.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253059918