Odera Oruka and the Human Minimum: An African Philosopher's Defence of Human Dignity and Environment considers the work of Odera Oruka (1944-1995)-arguably one of the finest philosophers in Africa-by analyzing his major practical contribution to philosophy from the practical point of view. Odera Oruka is well known for his sage philosophy, but his "practical philosophy" has received less attention. This book situates Oruka within philosophical discourses around issues of justice, human rights, ethical duty, ecology, humanism, and politics. A thread that ties these questions together is Oruka's argument for the right to a human minimum, defined by three basic human needs: physical security, subsistence, and health care. Michael Kamau Mburu explores how these three taken together constitute the most basic and necessary (though not sufficient) right, and establishing this right is a means to ensuring human dignity, a condition for global justice. The book also expounds and applies some ethical values and philosophies from Africa-such as "ubuntu" or humanness-to clarify, defend, and promote human dignity without jeopardizing the environment.
Michael Kamau Mburu holds a PhD in philosophy from Duquesne University and is associate pastor at Holy Family, Blessed Sacrament, and St. John Vianney Parish in Bronx, NY.
Introduction Chapter One: The Legacy of H. Odera Oruka in Philosophy Chapter Two: Oruka's Commitment to Practical Philosophy Chapter Three: On Human Rights: A Possible Definition Chapter Four: A Critique to the Current Human Rights Discourse Chapter Five: The Human Minimum: Towards an Ethical Standard of Living Chapter Six: The Right to A Human Minimum Chapter Seven: Toward Global Justice Chapter Eight: Eco-philosophy and Parental Earth Ethics Chapter Nine: Humanism, Ecology and Global Justice Selected Bibliography Index About the Author
Odera Oruka (1944-1995), known for his effort to explicate, ensoul, and embody African philosophy as sage philosophy, contends in his practical writings for a "right to a human minimum" ensuring "physical security, health care, and subsistence". This human minimum supports a life fully capable of moral engagement and creativity. Michael Mburu's book defends the continuing relevance of Oruka's arguments in these practical works. He shows the way justifying the human minimum has Oruka challenging us to pursue "global justice" in place of merely "international justice", and to embrace an eco-centric and eco-humanistic rather than anthropocentric "parental earth ethics". Oruka's very contemporary practical philosophy is shown to derive inspiration from pre-colonial African custom and thought. -- Ronald Polansky, Duquesne University
