AN ARTICLE BY MAKATIANI E. BURACHE THE BIDAKHO’S CONCEPT OF A PERSON

Abstract

The historical development of European thought and some African scholars’ concept of a person has led to a philosophical dogmatic fallacy. The error consists in the misrepresentation and in non-exhaustive definition of a person and the lack of environment as a necessity. This lack of a proper exhaustive definition of a person has led to social discrimination, socio-cultural stratification and classification of people, indignity of human life and negative exploitation of natural resources. This expose unearths the bidakho’s process metaphysics and creativity based on a concept of a person from conception to natural death and the environment in whom a person must live. The article underscores a fact that a proper definition of a person can solve socio-cultural problems, promote and defend human life as well as minimize negative effects of environmental degradation. It is qualitative in approach that applies phenomenology, critical analytical, and rational approaches or methods. It establishes that a proper definition of a person and bwidakho requires the inclusivity of metaphysical, cosmological and ontological perspectives of reality to solve contemporary socio-cultural and environmental issues and promotion of human life. This will lead to respecting of human beings at various level of biological growth, promote sanctity of human life, reduction of global warming and minimize climate change. The work is a viable source of reference for students and scholars of philosophy; those in-charge of the common good in the society and enhances bidakho’s contribution to philosophy.