A View on Totemism and Taboos and Creation Myths in African Environmental Ethics

Abstract

The study project is a critical evaluation of African communitarianism for environmental well-being improvement. Early worldviews coming from a Western worldview were highly criticised for being anthropocentric; hence, they have not played a major role in the formation of a policy and strategy for the elimination of environmental degradation in Africa. This implies that these ideas prioritise human interests above those of nonhuman creatures of nature. As a result, there is cause for worry that, despite the fact that these ideas fall well short of offering a solution for ecological harm, the African and global environments are deteriorating rapidly. It is obvious that a new strategy is required, and African communitarianism is therefore advocated in light of Africa’s diverse and troubling ecological challenges and the failure of Western ethical approaches to provide a solution to Africa’s ecological difficulties. This concept stems from two fundamental observations: first, the theory is based on African religio-sociocultural experience; second, it is a local answer to local environmental issues. The fundamental elements of an African environmental view include religion, morality, a holistic approach, the concept of the common good, goodwill, ubuntu, and a harmonious and interdependent connection with nature. This study used the philosophical approaches of content and critical analysis to argue for the case of African communitarianism for the enhancement of environmental well-being. This study also used the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and the Shona culture of Zimbabwe as case studies.