Religious and Humanistic Principles in African Ethics: Panacea for Overcoming Inhumanity in Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Although humanistic ethical principles are usually seen as secular in nature, yet it is important to note that African humanistic ethical principle is unique when compared to other ethical principles. What makes African humanistic ethical principle to be different from other humanistic ethical principles is that it is an ethical principle that is not separated from religion. The researcher was motivated to carry out this research because, unlike other humanistic ethical principles that are unconnected to religion, African humanistic ethical principle is informed by African Traditional Religion. The aim of this research is to show how understanding the peculiarity of African humanistic ethics will help in solving inhumanity which Africans are passing through. The research achieved the aim through the following objectives: By pointing the relationship between religion and ethics in African Traditional Religions, by showing the place of man in West African religious cosmology, by showing peculiarities of West African Religious ethics, and by showing the peculiarities of African humanism. This is an expository research that is based on existing information. The researcher carried out the research by comparing and contrasting, analyzing and synthesizing secular and African humanistic ethical principles. The research will help people in contemporary Africa to work toward promoting the wellbeing of fellow Africans who are suffering from all forms of inhumanity. The scope of the research is on the religious and humanistic principles in West African ethics. The research has shown that religious and humanistic ethical principles are inseparable in African traditional world view.