Abstract

I articulate a plausible African view of ‘moral dignity’, which is founded on the normative conception of ‘personhood’ and the idea of communalism. The status of ‘personhood’ is attained when one is recognized for internalizing communal norms, performing requisite duties, and participating in relevant functions. This engenders the appellation of ‘moral dignity’, which implies ‘being worthy of respect’ and consequent respect by others. I examine the implication of the ideas of ‘moral dignity’, ‘personhood’, and ‘communalism’ for a plausible conception and practice of punishment. I argue that the plausible communal goal of punishment is not retributive but reformatory, reconciliatory, rehabilitative, and reintegrative. A person who exhibits bad behaviour, violates rules or norms, and commits crimes diminishes his ‘moral dignity’, ‘personhood’, and creates disharmony in, and is ‘estranged’ from, the community. This involves a denial of ‘personhood’ and ‘moral dignity’, which involves disapprobation and, in some cases, requires punishment. Such a person is thus in need of rehabilitation to improve or restore his ‘moral dignity’ and ‘personhood’. By engaging in redemptive behaviours, one is able to restore the moral dignity or personhood one has lost or diminished so that one can be in harmony and reconciled with the people and community one is estranged from, has harmed or offended.