Both African and Confucian ethical traditions have a long standing oral tradition. What is one theme from each of these ethical traditions that you believe is valuable to pass on through oral traditions? In what way do you have an oral tradition within your family?
Your paper should be 2 pages in length and in APA format.
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Introduction:
African and Confucian ethical traditions have been passed on through generations via oral tradition. They both hold valuable themes that can benefit people in different ways. This paper will discuss one theme from each ethical tradition that is valuable for society and also touch upon the oral tradition maintained within families.
Answer:
One of the valuable themes from African ethical tradition is Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a traditional African philosophy that upholds the virtues of compassion, humanity, and connectedness. It stresses the importance of recognising the essence of a person, making us all equal regardless of status, background, or culture. Ubuntu teaches us to extend respect and kindness irrespective of whether we know the person or not. It helps in inculcating empathy and understanding within us, making unity and cooperation stronger, leading to a more harmonious society.
Confucian ethical tradition emphasises the importance of filial piety. It teaches the value of respecting our elders and being obedient towards them. Through Confucianism, we gain an understanding of the importance of traditions and customs and that adhering to them can lay the foundation of a stable and grounded society. Filial piety, as a moral character, also teaches us to understand the sacrifices parents make to raise their children and to be grateful towards them.
Both these themes – Ubuntu from African ethical tradition and Filial piety from Confucian ethical tradition – have values that should be propagated through oral tradition, inculcating them in people’s daily life. Ubuntu teaches us to be compassionate, empathetic, and to value the humanity in all of us, irrespective of culture, background, or status. Filial piety teaches us the importance of upholding our traditions, respecting and obeying our elders, cultivating a stable and grounded society.
Within family units, oral traditions play a vital role in passing on knowledge and values from generation to generation. Tradition, culture, and values are maintained and preserved through storytelling, proverbs, songs, and other forms of communication. These oral traditions help maintain strong family ties, leading to stronger communities and societies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ubuntu from African ethical tradition and Filial piety from Confucian ethical tradition are valuable themes that can benefit society. Oral tradition within families plays a crucial role in passing on values and maintaining traditions and cultures, leading to stronger ties within families and communities.
