Philosophical analysis of the concept of a person among the Idakho of Western Kenya with reference to Alfred North Whitehead’s Process Metaphysics

Abstract

The historical development of European thought and some African scholars’ concept of a person has led to philosophical dogmatic fallacy. This is a type of reasoning error where a person holds on an assertion as a fact without providing enough evidence essentially treating opinions as irrefutable truths or as ultimate truth. It is a fallacy that involves an unwavering belief in a set of principles or ideas dismissing alternative perspectives, fails to engage in critical thinking and open discussions. The error in this perspective consists in the misrepresentation of who a person is as well as in non- exhaustive definition of a person that is detached from the environment. The problem is that this lack of a proper metaphysical and ontological definition that does not incorporate and assess the environment as a necessity for who a person is has led to social discrimination, socio-cultural stratification and classification of people, indignity of human life and negative exploitation of natural resources. The purpose of this study therefore, was to unearth the Idakho community’s process metaphysics based on a concept of a person from conception to natural death and the environment in which a person lives in. The objectives of this study are to analyze Alfred North Whitehead’s process metaphysics with special reference to Idakho of Western Kenya; to examine the cultural practices that demonstrate the Idakho community’s understanding of the concept of a person and to come up with research findings that foster Idakho community’s epistemological and metaphysical contribution to philosophy. The research postulates that a more comprehensive definition of a person can solve socio-cultural problems, promote and defend human life as well as minimize negative effects of environmental degradation. The study was qualitative research that was guided by the process philosophy as its theoretical framework. It was informed by pragmatism process philosophy. The study utilized the historical and phenomenological study designs. Data was obtained from Idakho community using personal observation, unstructured group and focus interviews. Data analysis involved critical-analytical and rational methods. The study has established that appropriate concept of a person is munashibala, that is, an anthrotheocosmocentric being. A concept from Lwidakho language that has both the inclusivity of metaphysical and ontological perspectives of reality. This understanding of a person can lead to the respect of human beings at various level of biological growth, promote sanctity of human life, reduction of global warming and minimize climate change. Thus, solving contemporary socio-cultural and environmental issues and promotion of human life. Furthermore, the study recommends that: scholars and researchers in African Philosophy ought to endeavor to investigate, write and analyze a phenomenon by use of African vernacular languages. Further studies be carried out in various fields of social sciences by avoiding the use of old western academic categories as absolute and that, institutions of higher learning ought to encourage scholars to develop contemporary knowledge in light of a genuine process epistemologies founded on African metaphysical mind-set and ontology. In conclusion, the work is a viable source of reference for scholars of philosophy, those in-charge of the common good in the society and enhances Idakho community’s contribution to philosophical discourse.