The Role of Ubuntu Ethics in Promoting Citizenship Values: An Investigation into the Foundations of Social Harmony

Authors

  • Kevin Shijja Kuhumba Assistant Lecturer, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Keywords:

Ubuntu, Ethics, Social, Harmony, Education, Citizenship, Humanness

Abstract

This paper investigates how Ubuntu ethics can contribute as foundation for social harmony. Ubuntu is a concept in African philosophy which defends the intrinsic values of relationships. This sense of relationships further fosters harmonious co-existence in society.  In reference to Ubuntu values, citizens ought to be educated in order to have respect for others and be more responsible for the well-being of others. In this paper, it has been argued that the African philosophy of Ubuntu ethics is an all-encompassing concept that revolves around some key values. It is contended here that these key values namely, solidarity, hospitality, and beneficence are the fundamentals of social harmony. Here we shall address two issues: first, implication of Ubuntu ethics as articulated in African philosophy, second, a proposal that how through imparting Ubuntu values as part and parcel of the citizens’ education an atmosphere of social harmony and co-existence can be promoted in a given society.

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Published

2019-12-08

How to Cite

Kuhumba, K. S. (2019). The Role of Ubuntu Ethics in Promoting Citizenship Values: An Investigation into the Foundations of Social Harmony. Al-Milal: Journal of Religion and Thought, 1(2), 38–50. Retrieved from http://al-milal.org/journal/index.php/almilal/article/view/38

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Articles