This paper examines the relationship between religion and morality by conceptually exploring the ... more This paper examines the relationship between religion and morality by conceptually exploring the meaning of the phrase, 'iwa'lesin' in Yoruba thought. It discusses as well the implications of the Yoruba notion of 'iwa'lesin' for the quest for development in Nigeria. Four possible renditions of the phrase, 'iwa'lesin' are identified. The paper rebuts the earlier interpretations of the notion of 'iwa'lesin' defended by scholars such as, Bolaji Idowu, Moses Makinde and Wande Abimbola in terms of: identity-'iwa ni esin' (existence is religion), admonition-'iwa ni esin' (existence is commitment), as well as in the sense of prescription-'iwa ni esin' (good character entails commitment). In this paper, 'iwa ni esin' is construed in categorical sense depicting 'good character is the basis of religion'. Building on this, we defend the thesis that the categorical adoption of the principle of " iwa'lesin " is a cogent attempt at making religion an indispensable pivot of social change and development in Nigeria.
This paper examines the relationship between religion and morality by conceptually exploring the ... more This paper examines the relationship between religion and morality by conceptually exploring the meaning of the phrase, 'iwa'lesin' in Yoruba thought. It discusses as well the implications of the Yoruba notion of 'iwa'lesin' for the quest for development in Nigeria. Four possible renditions of the phrase, 'iwa'lesin' are identified. The paper rebuts the earlier interpretations of the notion of 'iwa'lesin' defended by scholars such as, Bolaji Idowu, Moses Makinde and Wande Abimbola in terms of: identity-'iwa ni esin' (existence is religion), admonition-'iwa ni esin' (existence is commitment), as well as in the sense of prescription-'iwa ni esin' (good character entails commitment). In this paper, 'iwa ni esin' is construed in categorical sense depicting 'good character is the basis of religion'. Building on this, we defend the thesis that the categorical adoption of the principle of " iwa'lesin " is a cogent attempt at making religion an indispensable pivot of social change and development in Nigeria.
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Papers by Fayemi Ademola