Capitalism and Freedom in African Political Philosophy

This book investigates 'capitalism and freedom'the guiding forces of many political systemsin African philosophy. It builds on classical and neoliberal capitalism rooted in private property and freedom, and argues for the presence of these elements in the traditional and modern African political systems. The author argues that while these elements are partly imported from Western capitalists, they are equally traceable in African traditional political systems. Kayange argues that African politics is marred by a conflict between embracing capitalism and freedom (individualism), on the one hand, and socialism founded on African communitarianism and communist ideas, on the other. This conflict has affected policy development and implementation, and has significantly contributed towards the socio-economic and ethical crises that are recurrent in most of the African countries.

Offers a reflection on capitalism and freedom in the African society, specifically in the Sub-Saharan region

Traces elements of capitalism in African politics, focusing on aspects such as democratic governance, economic freedom, and individual freedom

Questions the various political developments in Africa relative to the influence of property accumulation and freedom

Auteur

Grivas Muchineripi Kayange is a Senior Lecturer and Dean-Faculty of Humanities at Chancellor College in the University of Malawi.

Texte du rabat

This book investigates capitalism and freedom the guiding forces of many political systems in African philosophy. It builds on classical and neoliberal capitalism rooted in private property and freedom, and argues for the presence of these elements in the traditional and modern African political systems. The author argues that while these elements are partly imported from Western capitalists, they are equally traceable in African traditional political systems. Kayange argues that African politics is marred by a conflict between embracing capitalism and freedom (individualism), on the one hand, and socialism founded on African communitarianism and communist ideas, on the other. This conflict has affected policy development and implementation, and has significantly contributed towards the socio-economic and ethical crises that are recurrent in most of the African countries.

Contenu

CHAPTER 1: General Introduction

CHAPTER 2: Theoretical Conceptualization of Capitalism and Freedom

CHAPTER 3: Capitalism and Freedom in African communitarianism

CHAPTER 4: Capitalism and Freedom in the Colonial Period

CHAPTER 5: Capitalism and Freedom in One Party Politics

CHAPTER 6: Capitalist multiparty democracy reforms

CHAPTER 7: Capitalist Economic Reforms in Africa

CHAPTER 8: Economic Freedom Conflict

CHAPTER 9: Sovereignty and Political Freedom Conflict between African Communitarianism and Capitalism

CHAPTER 10: Moral Freedom Conflict

CHAPTER 11: Primitive accumulation crisis in the modern African capitalism

CHAPTER 12: Neo-African Renaissance as a Response to Neo-Capitalism

CHAPTER 13: Afro-Chinese Alternative to Capitalism and Freedom Conflict

CHAPTER 14: Embedding capitalism and freedom in a comprehensive theory of ubuntu

CHAPTER 15: Conclusion