Abstract
The quest for a definite answer to some certain ageless philosophical questions such as: What is man? What is his origin? What is his destiny? How is he like other beings in the universe, and how does he differ from them? These have up-till date; remain fundamental questions, which are begging for answers in all human societies. In spite of several attempts from the religious, scientific, cultural and sociological theories to explain the issue of common origin, the problem of racism with all its contradictions persists. This paper is to critically evaluate on one hand, the concept of common human origin, using the various theories to analyse the basis for its justification; on the other hand, examine the issues relating to racism, with the aim of arguing that the meaningfulness or meaninglessness of the universe must start from our understanding of human person and his existence. The philosophical method of conceptual clarification and critical analysis are employed to establish the view that man is the key to the understanding of the whole of reality. Thus, whatever disrespect human dignity regardless of colour, race or sex is to be absolutely rejected.
Highlights
The aim of this paper is to examine the concept of common origin of human persons in relation to the question of racism in the society
The paper proceeds to analyze the ideology of racism which was invented on the belief that human races were not just different from one another, but that some were superior to others
There are two dominant theories that explain the concept of common origin; these are monogenesis and polygenesis
Summary
The aim of this paper is to examine the concept of common origin of human persons in relation to the question of racism in the society. The paper attempts to clarify the two dominant theories that explain common origin which are monogenesis and polygenesis. Attempt is made to examine the views of some philosophers, who in the past time postulated about racial differences. Their argument seems to lack moral respect for mankind and deny the rule of equality from the universal point of view. To this end, the paper concludes that since rationality is central to all mankind, the question of racism becomes untenable
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