Towards an African Political Philosophy of Needs

This book explores African political philosophy by focusing on the domains of moral philosophy, political philosophy, and political theory. It calls for a needs-based political vision that shifts the conversation beyond rights-based confrontations to prioritize needs as a cornerstone of African political theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the realms of moral philosophy, political philosophy, and political theory within the context of African philosophy. At its core, it advocates for envisioning African political philosophy as a vehicle for a needs-based political vision. While previous discourses in African political philosophy have primarily relied on the normative framework of human rights law to articulate demands for social and global justice, this book pioneers a novel approach by shifting focus from 'rights' to 'needs.' The authors aim to re-orient the discourse in African philosophy beyond the confines of rights-based confrontations, fostering a shift towards prioritizing needs as the cornerstone of African political theory.

The book begins by exploring the historical and cultural contexts that shape African political thought. It examines the ways in which traditional African values, such as Ubuntu, have influenced the development of political ideas and practices. The authors argue that a needs-based political vision can provide a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges facing African societies.

In the subsequent chapters, the authors delve into the theoretical foundations of a needs-based political philosophy. They discuss the concept of human dignity, the role of social welfare, and the importance of community participation in the pursuit of political goals. They also explore the challenges of implementing a needs-based approach in African contexts, such as the lack of resources, political instability, and cultural barriers.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a wide range of sources, including African philosophical texts, political theory, and empirical research. They use a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the issues and provide practical solutions for promoting a needs-based political vision in Africa.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on African political philosophy. By advocating for a needs-based political vision, it seeks to re-orient the discourse in African philosophy beyond the confines of rights-based confrontations and towards a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges facing African societies. The authors' multidisciplinary approach and practical solutions make this book a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists working towards a more just and sustainable future for Africa.

Weight: 303g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030644987
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021