Odera Oruka (1944–1995), known for his efforts in explicating, ensouling, and embodying 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 Kamau Mburu’s book defends the continuing relevance of Oruka’s arguments from a practical point of view. He shows the way Oruka justifies the human minimum in order to challenge 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, professor emeritus, Duquesne University

How human beings should relate to each other, as well as to their environment, has been a matter of concern for a long time, to which various solutions have been offered. This monograph provides a refreshing perspective on this relationship. The book examines Lockean philosophy, as well as some current human rights accounts, and then advances the argument that the right to a human minimum—that is, the right to physical security, subsistence, and health care—is the most basic and necessary means to achieve egalitarian and ecological fairness. In his analysis, Mburu adopts Odera Oruka’s practical philosophy, which, unlike theoretical notions of philosophy, is a philosophy that is geared towards genuine improvement of people’s lives without disturbing the environment.
Odera Oruka and the Right to a Human Minimum appeals to a wide range of readers. Besides appealing to the general lay reader interested in learning more about human relations, it would also interest academics working in the areas of ethics, human rights, global justice, social and political philosophy, African studies, environmental ethics, international relations, and eco-philosophy.

Frederick Ochieng'-Odhiambo, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill