Human Dignity in an African Context

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.


Motsamai Molefe is a senior researcher at the Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa, at the University of Fort Hare, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the South African Journal of Philosophy. He currently serves as an advisory council member for the Inclusive Society Institute and the Global Philosophy of Religion Project.
Christopher Allsobrook is the Director of the Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa (CLEA) at the University of Fort Hare, where he also leads the Research Niche Area in 'Democracy, Heritage and Citizenship'. He is an editor of Theoria and South African Journal of Philosophy.