Afican Ethics

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African Ethics

Definition

Ethics that stem from African culture in a restricted sense", meaning here, independently from the influence of external cultural influences, such as those of Christianity and Islam, which have become "an integral part of Africa's identity and social reality" during the past two millenniums (Para. 15).

Records: little material available, found in the context of African traditional religion

Generalizations : many scholars agree on the existence of commonalities and patterns that make it "still possible to generalize without causing confusion and ambiguity (Kwenda, 1999:8)".

What Constitutes the Ancestors?

Departed elders, or those deceased humans who have passed to the "realm of the divine", thus perceived to be the "living dead".

1. Custodians of knowledge and wisdom

2. Protectors of the living

3. Link between the visible and the invisible

4. Guardians of ethics and morality (Uka, 1991:187)

The General Character of African Ethics

Humans mothered by the others forms of life(Kwenda, 1999:10)

Beneficiaries and users of the universe (Mbiti, 1969: 39)

Special relationship with animals, plants and some sacred sites, which become totems or family emblems (Para. 20-22).

Taboos: for example, it may be taboo to cut certain plants unless it is for medicinal purposes (Kwenda, 1999:10; Murove, 1999:111).

Social well-being : individual choices are to be evaluated in the light of their effect on the community.

Ubuntu

Zulu saying: "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (You are a person through others)" (Para. 23).

Strangers and hospitality

Ostracizing through public censure of cruelty, murder, cheating or stealing (Mbon, 1991:103)".

individual autonomy:
In some "urban or modernized" communities the traditional views and customs are viewed as "outdated and unethical in that they violate an individual's human dignity and therefore must be abolished".
The proponents of the traditional point of view respond that, "it is precisely the erosion of the traditional customs and old traditions that is the cause of moral crisis within African societies" (Para. 24).