Menkiti's Moral Man

Oritsegbubemi Anthony Oyowe provides an original interpretation of Ifeanyi Menkitis' conception of person, which challenges the idea that intrinsic properties alone define personhood and emphasizes the role of social recognition in the community. However, Oyowe argues that Menkitis' framework fails to clarify the role of intrinsic properties and the sense in which the community makes one a person. He suggests that moral agency and personhood do not coincide, and that a community constitutes its members as persons through adopting certain attitudes and practices. This interpretation has the potential to shed light on problems raised by Menkitis' conception of personhood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his book "Menkitis Moral Man," Oritsegbubemi Anthony Oyowe presents a novel interpretation of Ifeanyi Menkiti's concept of person, which holds significant implications for his metaphysics and moral philosophy. Menkiti posits that one is not born a person but rather becomes a person within a linguistic and cultural community. He denies that mere possession of intrinsic properties alone constitutes personhood and asserts that personhood is defined by the community. This process involves the community socially recognizing an individual as a person who has been incorporated into society and has successfully fulfilled a range of obligations associated with social roles and positions.

However, Oyowe argues that Menkiti's framework fails to clarify the role of intrinsic properties and the sense in which the community makes one a person. He suggests that for Menkiti, moral agency and personhood do not coincide. One can be a moral agent but not a person solely due to being rational, free, and endowed with a moral personality. Oyowe draws on principles of social ontology to explain how a community constitutes its members as persons. This interpretation has the potential to shed light on various problems raised by Menkiti's conception of personhood.

Furthermore, Oyowe challenges Menkiti's claim that personhood is defined by the community and proposes an alternative understanding. He suggests that personhood is not solely determined by social recognition but also by one's ability to engage in meaningful relationships with others and contribute to the well-being of society. Oyowe argues that for Menkiti, the emphasis on social roles and positions neglects the individual's inner essence and potential for growth and self-discovery.

In conclusion, "Menkitis Moral Man" offers a thought-provoking exploration of Menkiti's concept of personhood, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Oyowe's interpretation provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about personhood and offers alternative perspectives that challenge traditional notions. By examining the role of intrinsic properties, the community's influence, and individual agency, Oyowe sheds light on the complexities of personhood and its relationship to morality, social roles, and personal growth.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 228 x 161 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793615831