APQ - APPON PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY

One of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is that it caused a heightened consciousness in the vulnerability of the poor. While the corona virus does not discriminate based on economic status, the poor, who often constitute the masses, especially in Africa, were more susceptible to the attack since they lacked the necessary ?nancial wherewithal to purchase or follow the necessary precautionary measures. This was exacerbated by the fact that some African leaders sel?shly hoarded Covid-19 palliatives that were meant to provide relief for the poor. This state of vulnerability and fear necessitated the question of the meaningfulness or otherwise, of human life. Hence, this paper re-examines the class ideology, a dualistic perspective that “the rich” and “the poor” belong to entirely separate “worlds.” The reevaluation of the class ideology becomes necessary in the light of the experience of the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic that started in faraway China found its way to other countries of the world. It exposes the arti?ciality and in-authenticity of the class approach to life, and shows the interrelatedness and interconnectedness of the “here” and “there.” The paper considers an understanding of the ideology behind the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor important to achieving meaningful living in the post-pandemic era. It provides a theoretical framework that can overcome economic injustice, inequality and encourage a moral responsibility towards the poor, especially in Africa. The paper recommends an Earth-Eco-Socialist system where the principle of cooperation is emphasized. It is grounded on the socialist moral attitude which is communalistic in nature. The paper concludes that a meaningful living is often a product of a communitarian lifestyle hinged on the consideration of the needs of others.

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