Navigating Moral Dilemmas Using African Indigenous Ethics: Students’ Experiences in Higher Learning Institutions in Contemporary Zambia

Armstrong Chanda; Alfred Kapepe; Lwao Chilambwe; Audrey Muyuni; Ireen Moonga

Armstrong Chanda Mpika College of Education https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0729-1608
Alfred Kapepe Blessing Universitys of Excellence, Lusaka, Zambia
Lwao Chilambwe The United Church of Zambia (UCZ)
Audrey Muyuni Mulungushi University
Ireen Moonga Mulungushi University, Kabwe, Zambia

Keywords: Culture, Moral Dilemma, Moral Values, Lived Experiences, Indigenous religion, Indigenous Ethics

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how students in higher learning institutions navigate moral dilemmas by utilising African Indigenous Ethics (AIE) and their experiences. Guided by “African relational and Ubuntu moral theories” and “cultural ethical theories”, the study examined the different types of moral dilemmas that arose in such institutions and sought to identify gaps in using AIE and establish means to bridge them to better support students in upholding their moral values and beliefs. This research aimed to provide insights into how best to help students in institutions of higher learning as they navigate moral problems and maintain their values and values by incorporating AIE based on their experiences of using AIE. The study has shown that students face a multifaceted moral dilemma, and cultures significantly influence ethical decision-making in college or university when faced with a moral dilemma. The students have found AIE effective and efficient in dealing with moral dilemmas and still influencing students’ decision-making even in the modern era. Several influences, including social media, family backgrounds, economic status, and academic performance expectations, greatly affect the moral conduct of young individuals, often leading to conflicts with their cultural and ethical values. These findings underscore the importance of cultural differences in shaping students’ ethical perspectives and accentuate the necessity for educators and institutions to acknowledge these differences when addressing moral behaviours. Due to some inefficiencies of AIE in dealing with moral dilemmas, the study has recommended its integration with other moral sources for effective and sustainable moral decision-making during moral dilemmas.

Author Biographies

Armstrong Chanda, Mpika College of Education

is the Head of the Department of Educational Studies, researcher, and lecturer at Mpika College of Education in Mpika, Zambia. He lectures in religious education, educational psychology and educational research. Armstrong holds a BA (Social Sciences, Religious Studies, Philosophy and English Language) from Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), and M.Ed. in Religious Studies at UNZA where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Religious Studies. His research interests are centred on the fields of African traditional religion, inculturation and interreligious dialogue between Christianity and Indigenous religions, Catholicism, religious ethics, and the psychology of religion.

Alfred Kapepe, Blessing Universitys of Excellence, Lusaka, Zambia

is a Senior Lecturer and Dean of Theology at Blessings University of Excellence in Lusaka, Zambia. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Logos University and a Masters of Education in Religious Studies from the University of Zambia (UNZA) where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Religious Studies. His research interest is current issues in Pentecostalism and Culture and Pentecostalism and Christian education as well as Biblical Studies. He is also, interested in the African Religious Cosmology. His publications are accessible online.

Lwao Chilambwe, The United Church of Zambia (UCZ)

is a minister in the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). He also serves as lecturer and Chaplain at Chipembi College of Agriculture. He holds a Master’s Degree of education in Religious Studies obtained from the University of Zambia, a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the University of the Western Cape, a Diploma in Animal Science from NRDC, Diploma in Agriculture from CACC College and Certificate in Animal Health from Zambia Institute of Animal Health (ZIAH). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Zambia. His research interest is moral education, religion, scriptures, and religious studies. His publications are accessible online.

Audrey Muyuni, Mulungushi University

a Lecturer and Researcher at Mulungushi University. She holds a PhD degree in Religious Studies from University of Zambia (UNZA). Her research interest lies in the provision of morals in both faith-based and public institutions and contemporary issues in Religion and Education. She has undertaken research projects locally and participated in different international conferences. Her publications are both in local and international journals and they are accessible online.

Ireen Moonga, Mulungushi University, Kabwe, Zambia

A Lecturer and Researcher at Mulungushi University in Zambia. She holds a Masters’ Degree in Literacy and Learning from the University of Zambia (UNZA). Her research niche mainly lies in Discourse Analysis, Language Development and implementation as well as the Implementation of Religious Education in Contemporary lives. She has undertaken research projects locally and participated in different International Conferences. She has published articles in both local and international Journals. Her publications are accessible online.