Conflicting Values, Ubuntu Philosophy and Peace Building: An African Experience

Abstract

This paper studies conflict of values as triggers for social disorder. Specifically, we review the condition of negative dominant social paradigm (DSP) leading to value clashes. Value clashes are conflicts that arise from collision of ways of life, (ethnic, political, religious, etc.) thought systems and diverse uses of nature and sharing of resources. This shortfall is easily seen in egoism, corruption, disregard for the rule of law, inability to secure core human values in the social system. Using a local case study, we notice that such value disruptive tendencies pose a threat to Nigeria’s citizens, government, institutions and democracy, due to the rise of, violent conflicts and degradation of the value of human life ultimately leading to terrorism and other life-threatening challenges. It is suggested that such value clashes or clashes of values can be mitigated by a push for the sustenance of social order using some principles. The philosophical notion or principle of Ubuntu recommends the interdependence of human beings and the urgent need for a humane, compassionate and dignified approach to social living using basic democratic and moral values to deepen and widen the concept of peace and peace building.