Articles · Vol. 13 No. 1 (2009): African Sociological Review · Pages 26-37

2- Ethics and the Non-physical Self in Ndorobo World View

  • Shelly Ashdown
    Shelly Ashdown
    Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics Dallas, Texas, 75236, USA E-mail: Shelley_ashdown@gial.edu
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Vol. 13 · 2009 No. 1 African Sociological Review ASR

Abstract

Ethics in Ndorobo world view are concerned primarily with Self and its effect on the welfare
and moral state of community Other. Significant psychical elements of Self such as personality,
character, honesty, desire, and decision can affect the state of community strength through
personal behaviour deemed ethical or unethical. Ndorobo ethics is concerned exclusively with
governing social conduct for interpersonal relations. This article proposes that elements of the
non-physical Self are sources for moral behaviour, and social customary law is the basis for
moral duty among the Ndorobo. Germane to the discussion are the roles associated with the
non-physical Self that reflect four basic ethical principles in Ndorobo world view: 1) Ethical
principle of social unity; 2) Ethical principle of relational exchange; 3) Ethical principle of
respect; and 4) Ethical principle of role standards. Conformity to role expectations by Self
is highly valued as an ethical axiom that is viewed as natural and necessary in the life of a
Ndorobo.

Keywords

Ndorobo Non-physical self Ethical principle Social unity

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Author Biography

  • Shelly Ashdown

    Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics Dallas, Texas, 75236, USA
    E-mail: Shelley_ashdown@gial.edu

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