Ethics: of - Botho

By Monaheng Mahlatsi

This book is essentially a reaction to moral degeneration, the holding of a national dialogue on the subject and social reforms in Lesotho. The book argues that the ethics of botho (humanness) which were relevant in the traditional Basotho (plural of Mosotho) community are still relevant today, more especially at the time of the national dialogue on morals and reforms. In contemporary Lesotho, people engage in the national dialogue about moral degeneration at schools, colleges and on radio stations. The issue is also read about in newspapers and on social media. It is watched on both national and international television programmes. There are different reasonable legal and political justifications for holding a national dialogue on the subject, and the fact that a national dialogue has been called for, and the various justifications for the dialogue, are clear evidence that Lesotho is in dire need of moral change. Although the legal and political justifications for the dialogue are important in their own right, philosophical justifications seem to have been overlooked and they must be included, otherwise the national dialogue envisaged will simply remain rhetoric.

About the Author

The author studied philosophy at the National University of Lesotho and has taught philosophy at the same university since 2010. Besides teaching, he served for six years as the Tutor of the Faculty of Humanities and has supervised students’ research projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His area of specialisation is human rights and he has a keen interest in African philosophy and environmental ethics. He has published articles on Botho/Ubuntu ethics and climate change.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monaheng Mahlatsi
• Release date: Jul 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005723934

Book preview

Ethics

- of -

Botho

Monaheng Mahlatsi

Copyright © 2020 Monaheng Mahlatsi

Published by Monaheng Mahlatsi Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by Monaheng Mahlatsi using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Gerard Peter for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.org

E-mail: [e-mail]

Monaheng Mahlatsi

[e-mail]

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my beloved grandmother, the late Paulina Ramatsepe, who raised me.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Foreword

First Contemplation

Interactions of Forces in the Natural Community

Second Contemplation

The Traditional Basotho Community and Botho Ethics

Third Contemplation

The Suppression of Chieftainship and the Ethics of Botho in Lesotho

Fourth Contemplation

Prospects of National Dialogue in Lesotho

Fifth Contemplation

Botho Ethics: The Cradle of National Dialogue for Lesotho

Bibliography

Acknowledgements

I want to thank God for everything He did for me in the past, for what He is doing for me in the present and for what He will do for me in the future. I am also grateful for the support I received from my wife ‘Mantsane Mahlatsi. Without her patience and guidance, I would not manage to be the person I am today.

I am much indebted to my children Ntsane, Monyane and Tlhohonolofatso who supported me during hard times. I also extend my warmest gratitude to my daughter-in-law, ‘Mamolibeli Mahlatsi, who is always supportive of me.

My grateful thanks go to Bantu Lerotholi who inspired and encouraged me to write this book. He inspired me through his book Bophelo bo Joalo ka Sefate (Life is like a tree). I am also grateful to Professor Mafa Sejanamane for inspiring me to write this book. He encouraged me through his book Struggle Against Impunity in