An Appraisal of Felix Adler’s Ethical Humanism and Its Implications for Creed-Induced Crisis in Nigeria
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Amid persistent cases of violence, religious and ethnic discrimination in Nigeria, this study examines the relevance of Felix Adler’s ethical humanism to contemporary Nigerian society. Adler conceives humanity as a manifold of diverse individuals who, despite their differences, share equal worth and dignity, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political affiliation. He argues that moral conduct and governance should be insulated from extremist, particularly religious, creeds. The author critically interrogates whether a complete separation of religious and political precepts from public life is tenable, especially given that religion continues to serve as a source of moral direction for many societies. Employing a qualitative, historical-analytical approach, the study demonstrates how a thoughtful appropriation of Adler’s humanist ethics can significantly curb violence and discriminatory practices in Nigeria. It concludes with concrete recommendations for reforming educational curricula and legal frameworks to safeguard human dignity and equality.
Hilary Chimezie Ngwoke, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a humanist, scholar, academic, and public administrator whose work is driven by a deep commitment to human dignity, the sanctity of life, humane ethical conduct, and people-centred governance. He is passionate about service to humanity and the promotion of inclusivity, unity, and peaceful coexistence. He has published extensively in reputable national and international scholarly journals.
C O N T E N T S
Dedication v
Acknowledgements vii
Abstract xiii
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. Background of the Study: ………………………………………………………….. 1
1.2. Statement of the Problem: …………………………………………………………. 3
1.3. Thesis Statement: ………………………………………………………………………. 3
1.4. Purpose of the Study: ………………………………………………………………… 3
1.5. Scope of the Study: ……………………………………………………………………. 4
1.6. Significance of the Study: …………………………………………………………. 4
1.7. Methodology: ……………………………………………………………………………. 5
1.8. Clarification of Terms: ………………………………………………………………. 5
Endnotes …………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 7
Endnotes ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 34
3 EXPOSITION OF FELIX ADLER’S ETHICS 39
3.1 Brief Biography of Adler ………………………………………………………….. 39
3.2 Points of Departure for Felix Adler’s Ethics ………………………………. 41
3.2.1 The Anthropological Basis of Adler’s Humanist Ethics ………. 41
3.2.2 The Notion of Manifold as a Metaphysical Point of Departure ………………………………… 44
3.3 On the Right Standard of Conduct …………………………………………… 47
3.4 on the Moral Law …………………………………………………………………….. 50
3.5 Adler on the Religion of his Time as Subversion of the Moral Law ………………………………………………… 51
3.6 On the Ideal Version of Religion as a Set of Humanist Ethical Principle and Belief ……………………… 54
3.7 Ethical Society as a Practical Demonstration of Humanist Ethics/Religion of Duty ……………………………………….. 57
3.8 On Virtue ………………………………………………………………………………… 61
3.9 On Respect for Rights: …………………………………………………………….. 65
3.9.1 Respect for the Right to Life ………………………………………………. 65
3.9.2 Respect for the Right to Property ………………………………………. 66
3.9.3 Respect for the Right to Reputation …………………………………… 69
3.10 On Marriage and Family ……………………………………………………. 72
Endnotes ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 76
4 IMPLICATIONS OF ADLER’S ETHICAL HUMANISM FOR CREED-INDUCED CRISIS IN NIGERIA 81
4.1 The Concept of Creed ………………………………………………………………. 81
4.2 Philosophical Dimensions to the Concept of Creed …………………. 82 4.3 Creed-Induced Crisis in Nigeria ………………………………………………. 88
4.3.1 Religious Crisis …………………………………………………………………. 88
4.3.2 Ethnic/Tribal Crisis ………………………………………………………….110
4.3.3 Political Crisis ………………………………………………………………….118
Endnotes ………………………………………………………………………………………122
5 ADLER AND POST-ADLERIAN PROJECT S IN ETHICS 131
5.1 Adler and Normative Ethical theories ……………………………………..131
5.1.1 Existentialist Ethics ………………………………………………………….131
5.1.2 Ethical Humanism ……………………………………………………………133
5.1.3 Virtue Ethics …………………………………………………………………….135
5.1.4 Situation Ethics ………………………………………………………………..136
5.2 Adler and Contemporary Projects in Applied Ethics ……………….137
5.2.1 Business Ethics …………………………………………………………………137
5.2.2 Environmental Ethics ……………………………………………………….138
5.2.3 Bioethics ………………………………………………………………………….140
5.2.4 Communication and Information Ethics ………………………….141
Endnotes ………………………………………………………………………………………142
6 AN EVALUATION OF THE ETHICAL HUMANIST MODEL OF FELIX ADLER 145
6.1 Some Contentious Issues …………………………………………………………145
6.1.1 On the Dialogue between Religion, Morality, Law and Identity ……………………………………………….145
6.1.2 Religious Ideologies and the Irreligiousity of Religious People ………………………………………146
6.1.3. Ethical Humanism Verses Post-Humanist Ethics …………….147
6.2 Evaluation ……………………………………………………………………………….148
6.3 Recommendations: Towards a Trans-sectarian Nigeria Society. 155
Summary ……………………………………………………………………………………..158
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………160
Endnotes ………………………………………………………………………………………161
Bibliography 163