This book is a contribution to African philosophy, by philosophers focusing specifically on the concept of human dignity in ethical theory. Although dignity is a foundational concept for African philosophy, there remains scant literature in African philosophy dedicated to critical and systematic reflection on the concept of human dignity.

1. Introduction to Human Dignity in African Thought.- 2. Defending a Communal Account of Human Dignity.- 3. An African Communal Approach to Punishment with Moral Dignity.- 4. African Personhood, Metaphysical Capacities and Human Dignity.- 5. Human dignity, Ubuntu and Global Justice.- 6. Moderate Communitarianism and Human Dignity.- 7. An African Communitarian Conception of Dignity in Mutual Recognition.- 8. African Conceptions of Human Dignity and Violence Against Women in South Africa.- 9. Intrinsic or Instrumental Value? African Philosophical Conceptions of Dignity.- 10. Un/Re-covering the Concept of Dignity in an African Thought Scheme Through Igbo Proverbs on Greatness, Nobility and Honour.- 11. Conceptions of Human Dignity in African and European Legal Systems: Consonance or Dissonance?.- 12. Motho Ha Se Ntja Ha Lahloe: The Philosophy of Human Dignity in Sesotho Culture.- 13. Wiredu on the Humanistic Orientation of Akan Morality.

This book is a contribution to African philosophy, by philosophers focusing specifically on the concept of human dignity in ethical theory. The concept of ‘human dignity’ denotes the intrinsic and superlative worth associated with human beings in virtue of which we owe them utmost moral regard. Although dignity is a foundational concept for African philosophy, there remains scant literature in African philosophy dedicated to critical and systematic reflection on the concept of human dignity. This volume responds to this lacuna by bringing together chapters that offer philosophical exposition, defense (or even rejection) and application of the concept of human dignity in light of intellectual resources in African cultures, such as ubuntu, personhood, and serithi.

“This volume provides a much-needed foray into the concept of dignity in African thought. Each chapter presents lively and original work, often interacting with influential thinkers beyond the African tradition. This means that not only will it be of interest to philosophers and political theorists working within the African tradition, but that it also cannot be ignored by scholars across the globe who are interested in dignity and rights.” Kirk Lougheed (LCC International University/University of Pretoria). "The book Human Dignity in an African Context opens new intellectual vistas in relation to the mercurial concept of human dignity. It draws on indigenous intellectual resources from African cultures to contribute towards African interpretations, perspectives, dialogues and critiques of the concept of human dignity. It offers a novel philosophical attempt to both decolonize and Africanize the concept of human dignity." (Bernard Matolino, Professor of Philosophy, University of Pretoria, South Africa)

Explores the concept of human dignity in ethical theory from an African perspective Provides an opportunity for cross-cultural engagement around the universal concept of human dignity Brings together chapters that offer exposition, defense, and application of the concept of human dignity

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