2. BACKGROUND
So far we have looked at environmentalism from different eras
and cultures
And we keep identifying two main environmental ethics:
1. Anthropocentric environmental ethics
2. Non anthropocentric environmental ethics
3. BACKGROUND
It is time to consider ourselves, our own continent and cultures, so that
we can identify our own indigenous environmental philosophies
And this is where the concept or idea of Ubuntu comes into play:
4. Class feedback: UBUNTU (interpretations
and understandings)
• Ubuntu is about Self realisation through other people.
5. UBUNTU: Definition
Ubuntu is a cultural concept originating from sub-Saharan Africa and is
often expressed by the pervasive maxim “A person is a person through
other persons”, aka Communitarianism
Ubuntu is commonly understood to mean that the humanity of an
individual is only complete if it re-affirms that of others.
In recognising the humanness of others, an individual activates a
sense of collective personhood that imbues ethos of respect,
tolerance, sharing, empathy and love for a fellow human being.
6. Significance of Ubuntu with
Environmentalism
Ubuntu must not only be defined in the context of human to human
interactions
Ubuntu also encompasses a relational framework with nature
A holistic understanding of Ubuntu sees humans not only expressing
their affinity with each other but also with nature
7. Ubuntu Environmental Ethics
FEATURES:
1. Human-Nature communitarianism “Oneness”
• Emphasizes oneness and interrelatedness.
• Said oneness exemplifies the principle of UKAMA/relatedness
• No dualism nor separation of humans from nature
2. Nature is not commodified:
• Nature does not exist for mass consumption
• There is a value reasoning which values nature intrinsically
3. The uses of Nature are premised on the principle of sufficiency
• Sufficiency triumphs over self-interest, discourages excess accumulation of natural resources
• Promotes the empathetic human (Homo Empathicus), discourages the economic human (Homo Aeconomicus)
8. 4. The intrinsic value of nature is based on the fact that nature is
infused with socio-cultural traditions:
• Clan names
• Proverbs
• Taboos
9. Parallels between Ubuntu and similar
concepts in topics covered:
The shared idea of a symbiotic relationship with nature in both
Ubuntu and Eastern Mysticism:
• The oneness of humans and the environment that is emphasised in
Ubuntu is akin to the oneness Principle that characterises the
relationship between man and nature.
• Man and nature have a harmonious relationship.
• The two have a relationship based on interdependence.
10. Parallels between Ubuntu and similar
concepts in topics covered:
The shared idea of greater purpose within nature in both Ubuntu
and Deep ecology (Principle of Self-Realisation):
• In both Ubuntu and the Self-realisation idea within Deep Ecology, the
idea of a greater purpose of man in nature is emphasized.
• Ubuntu entails man realising that he is a fellow community member
alongside all other non-human elements of the planetary biosphere.
• This can be said to be similar to the idea in Self Realisation that man’s
higher calling is in realising that his ‘Self’ is part of the Greater ‘Self’ in
nature.
11. Class discussion: based on what we have discussed so far, what are the differences between
Ubuntu Environmental Ethics and Western ones discussed in previous topics:
Ubuntu ethics places a premium on cultural norms versus western ethics which focuses more on
‘systems’ such as economics and sci-tech.
Ubuntu tries to establish a harmonization between the natural world and people, more collective/group. While
western ethics are solely based on capitalistic growth and development.
12. Class discussion: Can we adopt Ubuntu environmental ethics as a
sustainable development strategy to counter environmental crises such
as climate change
