Benue State University, Makurdi

African Environmental Ethics and the Challenge of 'Dehomogenization' of the Epistemological Framework

Benedict S. Michael, PhD and Fasiku, Gbenga Cornelius, PhD

Abstract

The paper examines extant models of environmentalism, environmental philosophy and environmental ethics. This paper observes that the models one way or the other fails to adequately account for the myriads of problem of the environment neither have they been able to identify a moral or ethical rules to solve the identified problems. This paper argues that the inherent weakness arises from the dichotomy created in the attempt to solve the problems. This paper also arguesthat the existing model of environmental philosophy does not appear to be feasible in adequately resolving all the environmental predicaments of our world, as it has been basically influenced by Western dualistic epistemological orientation on the one hand, and its homogenization ethical base on the other hand and focusing more on human being less than its focus on human concern. This paper concludes that there is a need for a new outlook or approach in environmentalism and environmental philosophy by introducing African perception of nature and knowledge system.

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