Destiny and the Problem of Causal Explanation in African (Yoruba) Thought

Abstract

Destiny functions as a tool for explaining the mysterious forces that underlie the causal events of human activities in the material world. Within African Yoruba metaphysical thought, various paradigms of causal explanation exist, including the traditional perspective of destiny alongside scientific and religious viewpoints. However, at the core of the Yoruba conception of a person, man anchors the concepts of destiny and causality, serving as the central figure. African Yoruba philosophical thought postulates that the metaphysical world somehow predetermines or causally determines the activities and personality of an individual before these aspects manifest in the empirical world. This metaphysical determination, encapsulated in the concept of Òri (represented by the inner head and symbolised by the physical head), serves as a causal explanatory model for how individuals operate in the earthly realm. The primary focus of this paper lies in examining the nature of the causal relationship between the unforeseen forces emanating from predetermined life and their impacts on human activities in the physical world. Addressing this challenge is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the forces behind human destiny within the context of African Yoruba thought. In summary, this article explores the challenges inherent in causally explaining the forces that shape human destiny in African Yoruba thought. It posits that the Yoruba idea of destiny functions as a conceptual symbol, providing a means to elucidate the metaphysical reality of human life in traditional African societies.