The collective wisdom of the ancestors and elders are:

1. Point of reference

2. Tool for evaluation of ethical decisions, both of individual and social nature

Morality is closely linked to the common good. What any individual does affects the whole society and, therefore...

Acts that damage others in any way are to be punished by ostracizing through public censure.

Consequently, common life experiences, such as social customs, religious beliefs, taboos, proverbs, and symbols are the main resources of African ethics.

Although this view has been recently criticized, abandoned, and replaced in some areas of the continent, mainly in urban areas, its validity is still held in most of today's African countries and communities and remains a commonly accepted and recognized characteristic of the African culture in the eyes of the rest of the world.

Prozesky, M. (2005). Comparative ethics. Retrieved March 21, 2005 from http://www.ethics.unp.ac.za/links/EVE%20Comp%20Ethics.doc

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