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.
