Plato and the modern African state some : thoughts on the question of justice

摘要

The influence of the Platonic metaphysical tradition on thedevelopment of modern Western political institutions, and themodern state in particular has been quite significant. Theinfluence of the modern Western state on the formation of themodern African state has been no less significant. In bothpolitical traditions the principles of human freedom and dignityhave provided the moral impetus in the struggle for democracyand political independence. The African political experience ofmodernity, however, has, been less than salutary, given thedevastating impact of European colonial domination andracism, as well as current neoliberal projects of globalization.For Plato, the ideal of the good life is inseparable from thehistorical possibility of economic (material) well-being, withoutwhich there can be no talk of justice. Given this argument, thispaper seeks to reflect upon the idea and possibility of justice inthe modern African state.