The Relational Problem in Metz’s Relational Theory

While Thaddeus Metz’s relational theory is ingenious and more refreshing than some of its predecessors, it still presents problems that are common to relational theories. These problems have got to do with the grounds on which the relationalists base their theories. The target of my appraisal is the second section of Metz’s book. Firstly, I will seek to show that the theories critiqued are not that different from Metz’s theory as they all share the same foundations of the goods inherent in both communalism and communitarianism. This will be carried out against the backdrop of the perennial tension between tradition and modernity in African life and thinking and what the right recommendation to a worthy life ought to be. Secondly, I will seek to show that though Metz’s relational theory which is grounded on the principle of friendliness is ingenious, it is not as persuasive as he makes it to be. I will endeavor to show that there are some fatal assumptions about friendliness itself, as a theory of relationality.