A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE MORAL FOUNDATIONS IN AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The study critically evaluated the moral foundations in African philosophy while its objectives were to show the various grounds for morality in Africa., ,to provide ethical blueprints through these foundations. and to expose the cracks in the foundations for morality in Africa. This study is vital because it not only negates the impression of western philosophers that Africans lack moral foundations, but it also exposes these foundations as well as subjecting them to constructive criticisms in order to create a viable platform that is open-ended for arguments and further discussions. This work employed the analytic method. Through the analytic method, we delved into the clarification of concepts within the purview of African ethics. Also, this method also enabled us to reduce ambiguities and eliminate vagueness in this work as much as possible. The culture of the African, too, is another aspect that provides moral grounds. Entrenched within the African cultural milieu are custodians of moral values in the form of ancestors and sages who act as high priests in determining what is right or wrong. The culture of the African in this sense is pivotal regarding its moral dispositions as ethnic affiliations are of paramount importance in dealing with ethical issues. In African vantage point the relationship between philosophy, religion and morality as lived by the people is one of unity .there is no distinction between these disciplines as they are not perceived as entities in themselves but as dynamic elements which cannot be separated from life processes Philosophy is life; religion is life; morality is life; community is life. There is no room for separation within the African worldview, but only complex interdependence.Moreover, from the African tradition, morality or ethics are merged with religion The study showed that, morality is a concept, understood and marked in Africans by various phenomena. These phenomena, as seen in the study, have ways of impacting the being of man as an ontological individual which by his very nature makes him a member of a normative community. Although through social interactions, colonialism, slave trade and the abrasive effect of this westernization and other artificial man made activities, Africans continue by their nature to be connected to their foregone moral status has been hampered. This connection to their understanding of morality by Africans is so deep that it regulates the activities of man, which place man as social force in the universe.. In conclusion, an African person is naturally moral. It was recommended that Societies should do more to promote moral values rather than focusing on amassing wealth Further study should compare the moral foundation of African philosophy with those of other continents or races.