The life and thought of H. Odera Oruka : pursuing justice in Africa / Gail M. Presbey.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Presbey, Gail M., author.

Contributor:

Rev. C. P. Krauth Fund.

Series:

Bloomsbury introductions to world philosophies

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Philosophers--Africa--Biography.

Philosophers.

Philosophy, African--History--20th century.

Philosophy, African.

Oruka, H. Odera.

Physical Description:

xiii, 243 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Bloomsbury Academic, 2023.

Summary:

"Henry Odera Oruka was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century African philosophy. During the early years of the decolonization of African countries, as universities worked to redefine themselves, Odera drove changes to curricula and research. A tireless advocate for democracy and human rights in Africa, he repeatedly intervened in the political debates of his time. This is the first critical biography of both the man himself and African philosophy in the context of changing times, taking us through his early life, scholarly training, and Oruka's way of transforming the field of philosophy as it was taught in Kenya. The narrative unfolds from the personal to the global, from Africa to the world, and from African philosophy to the wider field of philosophy. Biographical material is woven with narratives of the social conditions and live questions as they arise in Oruka's life in Kenya, Sweden, and the United States. We are introduced to his understanding of philosophy as a critique of society. Exposing prison practices in Africa and targeting capitalists, Oruka sought to remedy social problems on a global scale, from institutional racism and ethnic division to the wealth gap between rich and poor nations. Through archival material, personal interviews and primary texts, this book shines a light on Oruka's monumental contribution to African philosophy and global justice. Finally we can see how Oruka's insights are still relevant to how we think about poverty, philosophy and human rights today"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Part I. An introduction to the person of Odera Oruka

Part II. Early developments as a philosopher

Part III. Sage philosophy and culture philosophy

Part IV. Global justice : addressing poverty, neo-colonialism, and environmental destruction.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [207]-231) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Rev. C. P. Krauth Fund.

Other Format:

ebook version: Oruka, H. Odera The life and thought of H. Odera Oruka.

ISBN:

9781350303850

1350303852

9781350303867

1350303860

OCLC:

1322366815

Publisher Number:

99993918343