African ethics [[electronic resource] ] : Gĩkũyũ traditional morality / / Hannah Wangeci Kinoti ; edited by G. Wakuraya Wanjohi ; with the assistance of Gerald J. Wanjohi

• Record Nr.: UNINA9910812670003321
• Autore: Wangeci Kinoti Hannah
• Pubbl/distr/stampa: Amsterdam, : Rodopi, 2010
• ISBN: 1-282-79292-X; 9786612792922; 90-420-3089-5
• Descrizione fisica: 1 online resource (277 p.)
• Collana: Studies in intercultural philosophy = Studien zur interkulturellen Philosophie = Etudes de philosophie interculturelleStudien zur interkulturellen Philosophie ; ; 19
• Altri autori (Persone): WanjohiG. Wakuraya; WanjohiG. J
• Disciplina: 170
• Soggetti: Ethics, Kikuyu; Kikuyu (African people); Ethics - Kenya; Philosophy, African
• Lingua di pubblicazione: Inglese
• Formato: Materiale a stampa
• Livello bibliografico: Monografia
• Note generali: Description based upon print version of record.
• Nota di bibliografia: Includes bibliographical references and index.
• Nota di contenuto: Preliminary Material -- PREFACE -- FOREWORD -- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS -- INTRODUCTION -- THE CULTURAL SETTING -- HONESTY (WĨHOKEKU) -- GENEROSITY (ŨTAANA) -- JUSTICE (KĨHOOTO) -- COURAGE (ŨCAMBA) -- TEMPERANCE (WĨKINDĨRIA) -- GENERAL CONCLUSION -- NOTES AND REFERENCES -- BIBLIOGRAPHY -- ARCHIVAL MATERIAL -- INDEX -- ABOUT THE AUTHOR.
• Sommario/riassunto: African Ethics: Gĩkũyũ Traditional Morality by Hannah Kinoti was prompted by the author’s concern about the decline of moral standards among the Gĩkũyũ in modern Kenya. Western education and increased interaction with other cultures had made the society more complex and sophisticated. At the same time, social evils like corruption, robbery, prostitution, broken homes and sexual promiscuity were on the increase. “While this is happening,” says the author, “African culture is often referred to in the past tense as if it is no longer relevant.” She ; wished to discover what were the virtues that, prior to the introduction of western civilization, held society together and formed the basis of its morality. She decided to examine some of the key virtues (honesty, generosity, justice, courage and temperance) that were highly valued in traditional Gĩkũyũ culture. She then compared the understanding and practice of these virtues by three groups: old people (who had had first-hand experience of traditional life), middle-aged people and young people. The results of this study should appeal to researchers and teachers of African traditions, culture, religion and ethics. Equally, students of comparative ethics should find this a valuable source of information on traditional ways of maintaining behaviour that made for harmony in society. Young Africans wishing to get a deeper understanding of their roots should also find this work of great interest.