PLS3701
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: MARCH 2026
, lOMoARcPSD|21997160
The arguments advanced by Ifeanyi Menkiti and Kwame
Gyekye concerning personhood and moral responsibility.
A critical essay in which I analyse and compare the arguments advanced by Ifeanyi
Menkiti and Kwame Gyekye concerning personhood and moral responsibility. My
discussion demonstrates a clear understanding of their respective positions and the
philosophical assumptions that underpin them. Thereafter, I will provide a clear
exposition of the three normative ethical theories studied in this course. Finally, I
relate each of these theories to my analysis of Ifeanyi Menkiti’s and Gyekye’s
arguments, explaining how each normative related to their accounts of personhood
and moral responsibility.
African philosophy has debated whether personhood is defined by community or
individuality. This debate is important because it affects moral responsibility and
human rights. Understanding this issue helps clarify African communitarianism. This
essay will compare Ifeanyi Menkiti and Kwame Gyekye and evaluate their positions.
African philosophy has long been concerned with the relationship between the
individual and the community. After colonialism, African thinkers sought to define an
authentic African view of personhood. Some philosophers emphasised communal
identity. Others argued for balancing community and individuality. The argument
between Ifeanyi Menkiti and Kwame Gyekye emerged from this broader discussion.
Although Ifeanyi Menkiti emphasises the primacy of community in defining
personhood, this essay argues that Kwame Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
better preserves individual moral responsibility and aligns more coherently with
deontological principles.
This essay will begin by outlining Ifeanyi Menkiti’s communitarian conception of
personhood and moral responsibility. It will then examine Kwame Gyekye’s critique
and his theory of moderate communitarianism. Thereafter, the essay will provide an
exposition of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Finally, it will relate these
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: MARCH 2026
, lOMoARcPSD|21997160
The arguments advanced by Ifeanyi Menkiti and Kwame
Gyekye concerning personhood and moral responsibility.
A critical essay in which I analyse and compare the arguments advanced by Ifeanyi
Menkiti and Kwame Gyekye concerning personhood and moral responsibility. My
discussion demonstrates a clear understanding of their respective positions and the
philosophical assumptions that underpin them. Thereafter, I will provide a clear
exposition of the three normative ethical theories studied in this course. Finally, I
relate each of these theories to my analysis of Ifeanyi Menkiti’s and Gyekye’s
arguments, explaining how each normative related to their accounts of personhood
and moral responsibility.
African philosophy has debated whether personhood is defined by community or
individuality. This debate is important because it affects moral responsibility and
human rights. Understanding this issue helps clarify African communitarianism. This
essay will compare Ifeanyi Menkiti and Kwame Gyekye and evaluate their positions.
African philosophy has long been concerned with the relationship between the
individual and the community. After colonialism, African thinkers sought to define an
authentic African view of personhood. Some philosophers emphasised communal
identity. Others argued for balancing community and individuality. The argument
between Ifeanyi Menkiti and Kwame Gyekye emerged from this broader discussion.
Although Ifeanyi Menkiti emphasises the primacy of community in defining
personhood, this essay argues that Kwame Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
better preserves individual moral responsibility and aligns more coherently with
deontological principles.
This essay will begin by outlining Ifeanyi Menkiti’s communitarian conception of
personhood and moral responsibility. It will then examine Kwame Gyekye’s critique
and his theory of moderate communitarianism. Thereafter, the essay will provide an
exposition of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Finally, it will relate these
