Duty, Human Rights and Wrongs and the Notion of Ubuntu as Humanist Philosophy and Metaphysical Connection

Abstract

This article reviews and discusses the issue of one’s duty, rights and wrongs within the Humanist African Philosophy of Ubuntu. ‘Ubuntu’ is an Nguni Bantu term denoting "humanity". It asserts that "I am because we are" and expresses of having a sense of "humanity towards others" which in the Zulu language is stated as “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”. The roots of African Life, culture and value systems in Southern Africa in particular are found in the philosophy of Ubuntu but they have also been partially influenced by specifically the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Ubuntu considers human rights as moral principles or norms that designate certain standards of human behaviour that are required in dealing with other human beings. One’s rights and duties in society are grounded in a multifaceted philosophy because of the moral aspects which are a mixture of heritage and tradition. Ubuntu avows that society, and not any transcendent being, provides human beings with their basic humanity. An authentic individual human being is part of a complex and important relational, communal, societal, environmental and even mystical world. One’s actions are correct to that extent that they are a matter of living harmoniously with others and doing one’s duty while acting ethically and within the ambit of the law, and thus demonstrating reverence towards others in communal associations. It calls for apology, and forgiveness when doing something wrong and ultimately reconciliation with guilty or injured parties. Keywords: Ubuntu; Rights; Wrongs; Duties; Metaphysics; African humanism