AFS 161: Ethics in Traditional African Society

What is the primary discipline that studies human beings and their characteristics in relation to their environment?

Philosophy
Axiology
Anthropology (correct)
Ethics

What is the branch of philosophy that deals with values?

Philosophy
Ethics
Aesthetics
Axiology (correct)

What is the significance of values in a culture?

They are a people's social norms and taboos
They are beliefs about what is right and wrong (correct)
They are a people's music and arts
They are a people's language and dressing

What is the purpose of studying culture in all its vastness and dimensions?

To examine their characteristics and their relationship to their environment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between culture and society?

Culture marks a people out distinctively from other human societies (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is a philosophical appraisal of African culture and values apt and timely?

Because it is a culture that requires philosophical examination (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration in determining moral value in the Akan system?

The consequences for mankind and society (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a traditional value in African society?

Individualism and independence (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent of the Jewish and Christian Ten Commandments in traditional African concept of a virtuous life?

The prohibitions to steal, murder, commit adultery, and tell lies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the word 'etiquette'?

From the French word 'estique' (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ethics as a branch of philosophy?

The study of human behavior and social norms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of etiquette according to Merriam-Webster.com?

The rules indicating the proper and polite way to behave in a given society (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ethical standards in a society?

They promote social harmony and cooperative living (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between ethics and morality?

Ethics studies morality as a set of social rules and principles (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of personal and social values in African society?

Relating well with others and integrating into society (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of ethical obligations in a society?

They are reasonable and impose obligations to refrain from harmful behaviors (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of virtues in ethical standards?

They are enjoining virtues of honesty, compassion, community and loyalty (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ethics in a society?

To study the morality of human actions and behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor in determining who greets first in traditional Ghanaian society?

Who is in motion (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the left hand in Ghanaian culture?

It is associated with filth, uncleanness, and disrespect (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the word 'taboo'?

It is a derivative of the Polynesian word 'tabu' meaning forbidden (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'we have well met' in Ghanaian culture?

It is an expression used when two people meet on neutral grounds (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of moral codes of ethics in traditional African societies?

They were used to ensure social order and stability (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the right hand in Ghanaian culture?

It is associated with dexterity and skill (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation for individuals to adhere to moral values in traditional African societies?

The expectation of rewards and blessings from ancestral entities (D) Signup and view all the answers

What do moral values reflect in an individual according to the text?

Their individual character and spirituality (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of morality and ethics in traditional African societies?

To reinforce important ideas and values of harmonious community living (B) Signup and view all the answers

In traditional African societies, what is the primary means of encouraging compliance to societal norms and ideas?

Through motivational features and incentives (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not learning about moral values in a community?

Individuals will be unable to distinguish between good and bad (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of morality in building relationships in traditional African societies?

It helps in building good relationships (A) Signup and view all the answers