36.9k views
3 votes
Does the Akan position think humans are innately good or bad?

1) Humans are innately good
2) Humans are innately bad
3) Humans are neither innately good nor bad
4) Cannot be determined

User Morktron
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The Akan philosophical position, informed by the Akan view of human nature and the complexity of moral evil's existence, suggests that humans are neither innately good nor bad. Philosophical inquiries into the presence of evil alongside the conception of a Supreme Being indicate a complexity beyond human understanding, implying that human nature cannot be labeled simply as good or bad.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the Akan philosophical position on whether humans are innately good or bad, it is essential to delve into the essence of human nature and the role of a Supreme Being or deity in defining morality. According to the Akan view, as expressed in Olúwolé's comparison of Socrates's and Orúnmìlà's ideas, 'No man voluntarily pursues evil, or that which he thinks to be evil. To prefer evil to good is not in human nature.' This suggests that within the Akan philosophy, humans are not viewed as innately evil; instead, the existence of evil is a complex subject that intersects with concepts of deity comprehension and the possibility of free will. Moreover, considerations related to an All Powerful, All-Knowing, and All Good deity imply that humans may not fully understand the greater plan of a deity, as seen in the philosophical inquiries into the existence of evil alongside a supreme deity. Philosophers such as Leibniz argue that humans lack the divine perspective to judge the world, suggesting that any evil may be necessary for the ultimate creation of the greatest possible good. Therefore, the Akan position seems to lean towards the view that humans are not innately bad, but there's a larger mysterious context to the existence of evil, one that's not easily comprehensible to human beings.

In answering the question, the correct option would be: 3) Humans are neither innately good nor bad. This position aligns with the Akan perspective that humans, by nature, do not intentionally seek evil, and the debate over the existence of evil often requires a mystical understanding beyond human reason.

User Naruto Uzumaki
by
8.1k points