Predestination and the metaphysics of identity: a Yoruba (African) case study

Abstract

Predestination, as a metaphysical issue, carries the idea of prenatal choice or ascription of the purpose or end to which any person or thing is created. Destiny as chosen or ascribed to a person represents what the person has to unwind in the world. In Yoruba account of predestination, a moulded body, already infused with the spirit of life by Olodumare (the supreme being), goes to pick an Ori (the bearer of destiny). Sometimes, such a destiny is considered imposed on the self. The destiny, so chosen or so ascribed or imposed, encapsulates the successes and failures which the human being is meant to unravel during his or her course of existence in this world. Considering some arguments on personal identity, the paper observes that a case of identity cannot be established between the person who chose a destiny in heaven and the one who is assumed to be unraveling it in the world. Given the fact that the relationship of identity cannot be established between the two entities, the paper concludes that the notion of predestination, with special focus on the Yoruba account, cannot stand rational scrutiny.