Abstract

This research attempts to throw light on the indigenous African moral philosophy from the yoruba socio-cultural paradigm, espousing the adequacy of its authentic ontological and ethical principles towards sustainable development in the contemporary period. Indigenous African morality revolves around the notion of character and character traits which aim at analyzing actions and motive of a moral agent. Character-ethics approaches moral discourse not on the face value of moral actions; rather, from the broad understanding of the nature of reality and subsisting metaphysical orientation in a socio-cultural experience that shapes the mind and conducts of its individuals. The concept of Omoluabi suffices as generally accepted character (Iwa) model among the Yoruba predominantly in the West African sub-region. An Omoluabi is a well-rounded good person, exhibiting virtues like moderation, truth, diligence, courage and wisdom among others. Behind these virtues are African ontological and ethical principles that inform the making of an Omoluabi in the Yoruba traditional moral setting. The underlining metaphysical orientation accentuates spiritual primacy, duality and complementarity to promote interdependence of all forces and harmonious relationship. In effect, the character of Omoluabi is such that harmonises interests, promotes the spirit of live and let live, diplomacy and collective well-being in the society. Conceptual analysis and critical evaluative reasoning were employed as the methodology to unravel the potential of the African metaphysical orientation via Yoruba traditional morality. “The complementarity and symbiotic orientation drawn from the characteristics of Omoluabi was argued as germane to peaceful coexistence”. Generally, it is our position that the notion of Omoluabi hinged on authentic African metaphysical orientation will enhance sustainable moral development especially in a pluralistic society. Key words: Morality, character (Iwa), omoluabi, duality, African moral philosophy.

Highlights

  • Full Length Research PaperA discourse on the fundamental principles of character in an African moral philosophy Oyebade Oyewole* and Azenabor Godwin

  • It goes without saying that central to African ethics is the notion of morality, which cascades to character of individuals

  • The inferred expectation is to be Omolúàbí, which is logically tied to his existence and moral virtues as demonstrated in the doctrine of Ìwàpèlé that begins from family through the society

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Summary

Full Length Research Paper

A discourse on the fundamental principles of character in an African moral philosophy Oyebade Oyewole* and Azenabor Godwin. This research attempts to throw light on the indigenous African moral philosophy from the yorùbá socio-cultural paradigm, espousing the adequacy of its authentic ontological and ethical principles towards sustainable development in the contemporary period. An Omolúàbí is a well-rounded good person, exhibiting virtues like moderation, truth, diligence, courage and wisdom among others. Behind these virtues are African ontological and ethical principles that inform the making of an Omolúàbí in the Yorùbá traditional moral setting. It is our position that the notion of Omolúàbí hinged on authentic African metaphysical orientation will enhance sustainable moral development especially in a pluralistic society

INTRODUCTION
CONTEXTUALISING CHARACTER IN AFRICAN ETHICS
ETHOS OF OMOLÚÀBÍ IN YORÙBÁ THOUGHT SYSTEM
ÌWÁ AS THE MORALITY OF BEING
VIRTUES OF ÌWÀ IN OMOLÚÀBÍ
Findings
CONCLUSION
Full Text
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