As religions have developed socially, alongside modern political atmospheres and the push for gender equality, many questions have arisen regarding the nature of the Holy Bible, other religious scriptures, and religious practices and traditions.

Though Rousseau might have delivered a bit of truth when he told us that humankind is “everywhere in chains,” we must take care not to be deceived about his orientation. He represents the height of the “Enlightened Man,” of philosophical naturalism. He is also, as a symptom of the latter, a deadbeat dad.

To gain a true appreciation for the African and African diaspora’s philosophical perspective, it is important to go beyond the modern, if not colonial, construction of African thought to see the richness of this perspective and the impact that it has had, and continues to have on human thought.

In the modern day, “great” men, men whose behavior was once excused by their extraordinary success in artistic or political fields, are now liable to be held accountable for the way that they treat those around them, despite any other achievements.

“How might an ethics and politics committed to the flourishing of significant otherness be learned from taking dog-human relationships seriously?”