The Virtues of “Prudence” and “Sociability” in Eve Folk Proverbs

Abstract

In order to elucidate the virtue of prudence, this chapter examines briefly what is meant by 'prudence' in some other cultural contexts and how this meaning reflects on its use in the African Ghanaian Eʋe cultural context. One major aim of the Eʋe community is to promote prudence by which people can adapt to situations of conflict. In an attempt to deal with the virtue of in the Eʋe cultural context, an article in which Martha Nussbaum dialogues with Aristotle concerning traditions, relativism and objectivity, is helpful in providing some clues to the virtue of sociability. Folk proverbs that promote sociability teach people to avoid selfishness and to be willing to collaborate. People who uphold the ideals of prudence and sociability and diligence and humility, which are cherished in the Eʋe community, are rewarded with praise and succeed in their undertakings.Keywords: Eʋe community; folk proverbs; Martha Nussbaum; Sociability; virtue of prudence