The Bewaji,Van Binsbergen and Ramose debate on Ubuntu

Abstract

What follows is a discussion, in three parts, of the African concept of ubuntu and related issues. In the first part of the discussion J.A.I. Bewaji assesses an essay by W.M.J. van Binsbergen on Ubuntu and the Globalisation of Southern African Thought and Society (2001). In the second part Bewaji reviews M.B. Ramose’s African Philosophy through Ubuntu (2002). And in the third part Ramose responds to both Bewaji and Van Binsbergen. Although Ramose disagrees with some of Bewaji’s comments and interpretations - especially with regard to the thesis on which ubuntu is, according to the former, founded (i.e. “that ontology proper is a rheology”) - both Bewaji and Ramose agree that Van Binsbergen’s critique of ubuntu philosophy, and specifically of Ramose’s explication thereof; is untenable.