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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Moral responsibility and punishment in the Yoruba society
Author:Labeodan, Helen Adekunbi
Year:2004
Periodical:Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies
Volume:36
Issue:1-2
Pages:18-37
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:norms
values
Yoruba
Abstract:Among the Yoruba of Nigeria, punishment is regarded as a prescription to help settle sin ('ese'). 'Ese' has social, moral and religious dimensions. First, this paper discusses the concepts of moral responsibility and punishment. Individuals in Yoruba society are considered to exercise their free will and bear responsibility for their choices. Furthermore, there is no rigid distinction between an offence committed against a person or society and offences committed against deities and spirits. To commit an offence, which is regarded as a sin, and be punished for it, is seen as a spiritual matter. The paper also examines the different forms of punishment used by the Yoruba, and the exercises culprits have to go through in order to remove sins. Finally, attention is paid to the moral dilemma in undeserved punishment. Bibliogr., ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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