Odera Oruka and the Right to a Human Minimum: An African Philosopher's Defense of Human Dignity and Environment

Odera Oruka's book explores his practical philosophy, arguing for the right to a human minimum of physical security, subsistence, and health care to ensure human dignity and global justice. It incorporates ethical values and philosophies from Africa to promote human dignity without compromising the environment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Odera Oruka, a renowned African philosopher, delves into the intricate interplay between human dignity and the environment in his seminal work, "Odera Oruka and the Human Minimum: An African Philosopher's Defence of Human Dignity and Environment." Through a comprehensive analysis of Oruka's significant practical contribution to philosophy, this book sheds light on his profound insights and their practical implications. While Oruka's philosophical prowess is widely acknowledged, his practical philosophy has often been overlooked. This book seeks to rectify that oversight by placing Oruka within the broader philosophical discourse surrounding justice, human rights, ethical duty, ecology, humanism, and politics. A central thread that unites these diverse topics is Oruka's advocacy for the right to a human minimum, which he defines as encompassing three fundamental human needs: physical security, subsistence, and health care.

In his exploration, Michael Kamau Mburu delves into the profound significance of these three needs, recognizing them as the most basic and necessary rights for human beings. He argues that establishing this right is a vital step towards ensuring human dignity, a fundamental prerequisite for global justice. The book further expounds and applies ethical values and philosophies from Africa, such as ubuntu or humanness, to elucidate, defend, and promote human dignity while preserving the delicate balance between human existence and the environment.

Through meticulous scholarship and thoughtful analysis, "Odera Oruka and the Human Minimum" offers a comprehensive and compelling defense of human dignity and the environment. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals seeking to navigate the complex challenges of our time, promoting a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 227 x 160 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793650023