This paper attempts to provide a framework for understanding the concept of the human person in his essential and ontological beingness in the light of Yorùbá worldview. The paper argues that the mind-body problem that has taken a central seat in philosophy would be better appreciated if it is allowed to remain as culture-relative. In other words, it would a mistaken assumption of sort to assume that the western categories of monism or Cartesian dualism are sufficient theories around which the mind-body problem should be discussed. At the heart of the discussion is an attempt to open up the Yorùbá perspective to the mind-body problem which, though primarily acknowledges among other considerations that the human person is composed of both material-physical and immaterial-spiritual (metaphysical) aspects, insists a person is more than the mind and body. An attempt will also be made in this project to make a contrast between Cartesian dualism and Yorùbá worldview of the composition of the human person and draw a parallel between the two perspectives.
Central to the numerous challenges that confront philosophy and philosophers is inter alia the question of the composition of the human person. Essentially, philosophers, especially metaphysicians, grapple with the question of "who a person is?" Put differently, what constitutes the human nature? Integrally connected to such fundamental questions are other posers that bother on the mind-body problem, which, on the one hand, focus on the composition of the person as a material being. Such questions like "Is man a composition of mind and body? And, what kind of relationship or interaction (if any) goes on between the domains of substances? ‘Is the human person an entirely physical entity?" Or, "Is he solely non-physical or, is he composed of both physical and non-physical features?" These are the interrogative legacies of Cartesian substance dualism and interactionism bequeathed to philosophy. There is no straightforward answer to these questions as a first-glance approach could present them to be.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Dualist Project versus Cartesian Dualism
- Understanding who the Yorùbá is
- The Human Person and Composition in Yorùbá Cosmology
- Mind-Body Link problem in Yorùbá ontology
- Material-Immaterial Relation in Yorùbá Conception of Person
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide an understanding of the concept of the human person within the Yorùbá worldview, particularly focusing on the mind-body problem. It argues that the Western categories of monism and Cartesian dualism are insufficient for comprehending the Yorùbá perspective. It also seeks to draw a parallel between Yorùbá worldview and Cartesian dualism, highlighting their contrasting perspectives on the composition of the human person.
- The Yorùbá worldview and its unique perspective on the mind-body problem.
- The limitations of Western philosophical categories, like monism and Cartesian dualism, in understanding the human person.
- The concept of "èníyàn" (chosen one) in Yorùbá cosmology and its implications for understanding human existence.
- A comparative analysis of Yorùbá worldview and Cartesian dualism, highlighting their contrasting perspectives on the composition of the human person.
- The importance of cultural relativity in philosophical discourse.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper introduces the mind-body problem as a central challenge for philosophy and explores the inadequacy of Western categories like monism and dualism in understanding this problem from a non-Western perspective. It sets the stage for exploring the Yorùbá worldview as a framework for understanding the composition of the human person.
- Dualist Project versus Cartesian Dualism: This section discusses the concept of dualism in general, explaining its core principles and contrasting it with monism and pluralism. It then examines Descartes' contribution to the mind-body problem and his concept of Cartesian dualism, highlighting the key principles underpinning this view.
- Understanding who the Yorùbá is: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the Yorùbá people, their geographic distribution, and historical origins. It delves into the debate regarding their ancestral homeland, focusing on the prevalent view that Ilé-ifè is the "mother city" of the Yorùbá nation.
- The Human Person and Composition in Yorùbá Cosmology: This chapter examines the concept of "èníyàn" (chosen one) as a foundational concept in Yorùbá cosmology and its implications for understanding the human person. It explores the Yorùbá understanding of the human person as a complex entity, composed of both material and immaterial aspects.
- Mind-Body Link problem in Yorùbá ontology: This chapter delves deeper into the Yorùbá understanding of the mind-body relationship, exploring how this relationship is conceptualized within their ontology. It examines the Yorùbá view that the human person is not simply a sum of mind and body, but a more complex and holistic entity.
- Material-Immaterial Relation in Yorùbá Conception of Person: This chapter focuses on the Yorùbá understanding of the relationship between the material and immaterial aspects of the human person. It explores how these two elements are intertwined within the Yorùbá conception of the person, highlighting the holistic and integrated nature of human existence.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords of the paper are Yorùbá worldview, mind-body problem, Cartesian dualism, èníyàn, human person, material and immaterial aspects, cultural relativity, ontology, composition of the human person. These terms encapsulate the primary themes and research focuses of the paper, exploring the unique perspective of the Yorùbá worldview on human existence and its implications for philosophical discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yorùbá concept of the human person?
In Yorùbá cosmology, a person is seen as "èníyàn" (the chosen one), a complex entity composed of both material-physical and immaterial-spiritual aspects.
How does the Yorùbá worldview differ from Cartesian dualism?
While both acknowledge physical and non-physical features, the Yorùbá perspective insists a person is more holistic and integrated than the strict separation found in Cartesian substance dualism.
Why is cultural relativity important in this discussion?
The paper argues that Western philosophical categories like monism or dualism are not sufficient to explain the mind-body problem across all cultures, specifically the Yorùbá ontology.
What is the significance of Ilé-ifè in Yorùbá history?
Ilé-ifè is considered the "mother city" and ancestral homeland of the Yorùbá nation, central to their historical and cosmological identity.
What is the "mind-body link problem" in Yorùbá ontology?
It explores how the material and immaterial aspects of a person interact and relate to each other within a non-Western framework of human composition.
How is the relationship between the material and immaterial described?
The Yorùbá conception emphasizes a holistic relation where the physical body and spiritual components are intertwined to form the essential being of a person.
- Quote paper
- James Alabi (Author), 2018, Dualistic conception of the human person in Yorùbá worldview, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/463175
