JOCAP

Critique of the Philosophic Ideal State: Lessons for Underperforming Leaders

Eusebius Ugochukwu Akor — 2023-11-13

This study examines the elements of a good and desirable society from the perspectives of Plato, Aristotle and Hobbes. The paper observes that the challenging conditions in which most countries currently find themselves are similar to what obtained during Plato’s era. Plato considers the Aristocratic state governed by well-edu- cated individuals as the best form of government. For Aristotle, an institutionally mixed regime is the best form of administration. For Hobbes, a sovereign head with absolute power should administer the state. In the current era generally, and in African states in particular, most governments appear incapable of successfully managing and administering their territories. Therefore, this paper will consider the kinds of political systems that can become models of good governance for socio-politically and economically challenged countries.

An Examination of the Environmental Impact of Illegal Mining Activities on Land in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia

Isaac Mutelo — 2023-11-13

In the contemporary world, mining operations often contribute to water, land and air pollution. In the Cop- perbelt Province of Zambia, illegal mining practices have often led to deforestation, soil degradation and vast land damage or ruin due to the digging of huge pits, trenches, tunnels and ditches by illegal miners. Such practices continue to have a huge negative impact on the environment and the lives of the local people, most of whom depend on land for farming. Illegal mining remains a threat to the environment, biodiversity and the wellbeing of the people. The centrality of this theme can be attributed to the various environmental problems that continue to occur due to illegal mining practices, to the extent of affecting not only the environment but also biodiversity and the wellbeing of the people. This paper examines the environmental impacts of illegal mining activities on land in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia based on three key questions: what are the impacts of illegal mining practices on land in the Copperbelt province? How has the Zambian government been responding to the situation? How can the notion of environmental justice and Christian ecotheology be used to respond to the crisis? Based on such key questions, this study seeks to assess the impact of illegal mining practices on land, discuss the response of the government and the society to the issue and propose a possible way forward.

Animism in African Philosophy: A Psychosocial examination after Senghor, Bergson and Deleuze and Guattari

Jim Parris — 2023-11-13

Using a new psychosocial approach and my own research data, this paper examines animist thought and praxis’ contribution to past and present African philosophy. The Negritude African philosophy and aestheti- cs writing of Senghor, and the European continental philosophy of Bergson, Deleuze and Guattari are used throughout in an analysis of the words and practices of two animist traditional healers. Psychosocial methods challenge any straightforward focus on language and cognition. They are a compelling choice for examining topics that require getting close to participants’ experiences and/or can produce moments of doubt in resear- ch, or when words may not be enough. This paper highlights African animist thought and praxis’ potential for contributing to spheres of philosophical discourse beyond ethics, metaphysical essence or nature. It is valuable to explore it and not to labour under any prejudice or the fear of being derided due to a hegemony of Western philosophy and ideas