Exploring the concept of ubuntu as a liberatory praxis

Abstract

This article explores the notion of ubuntu philosophy as a praxis by employing Enrique Dussel’s philosophy of liberation as a critical lens. I aim to provide a contextual background to the imposed Euro-modernity that necessitates and dictates for a need for a liberatory praxis. I argue that given its anterior nature, ubuntu can be used as a praxis for the marginalised African subjects if authentically enacted to affirm critical consciousness and social transformation. To this end, I will critically analyse the two key maxims of ubuntu, namely “I am because you are”, and “my humanness is dependent on others’ humanity”.