The Concepts of Ori and Human Destiny in Traditional Yoruba Thought: A Soft-Deterministic Interpretation

Abstract

The debate on the philosophical nature of the beliefs in Ori and human destiny in traditional Yoruba thought has for sometimes now, been controversial. Several metaphysical interpretations have been given by various African philosophers on the nature and the meaning of ori and human destiny in traditional Yoruba thought. Some of these interpretations have been in tune with fatalism, predestinationism and hard-determinism. Contrary to these philosophical accounts, the paper establishes that the concepts of Ori and human destiny in traditional Yoruba thought fit very well into the frame work of soft-determinism. Such a metaphysical interpretation, the paper argues, can help in taking care of the inconsistencies and antimonies associated with the earlier metaphysical interpretations of the Yoruba concept of Ori; providing a philosophical justification for punishment and moral responsibility in traditional and contemporary Yoruba society.