IGBO ETHICS OF CARE: A META-ETHICAL DESCRIPTION

Abstract

Some thinkers believe that the Igbo do not have in their world an ethics that is universal. The major reason for this position is moored on their belief that the earth goddess punishes only the offences that are committed within her jurisdiction. Though justice is recognised and emphasised by the Igbo, the application of appropriate punishment for its violation is not the same. This lack of uniformity in terms of moral practice has given rise to the belief that the Igbo did not believe in the Supreme Being prior to the advent of the missionaries. This conclusion is faulty. The Igbo have an ethics that is valid in the entire Igbo world. This ethics is not normative but rather metaethical. This is particularly evident in their ethics of Care. They consider an action that is motivated by Care as good. They value Care. Any action that manifests it is good. This is a belief that cuts across the length and breadth of the Igbo world.