“CALLED FOR THE OTHER”: THE UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY IN DIALOGUE WITH LEVINAS’ ETHICS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

This article argues that the principles and values of Ubuntu philosophy—closely aligned with Levinasian ethics of responsibility—are fundamental not only for the moral flourishing of society but also for its political and economic well-being. Despite the presence of these values in Tanzanian society, there is a continued experience of social challenges such as resentment, marriage breakdowns, and political instability. This apparent contradiction prompts a critical inquiry into the root causes of such issues. Using a qualitative analytic method, the article reveals that the mere presence or theoretical acknowledgment of Ubuntu and Levinasian ethical principles is insufficient to cultivate a harmonious society. The study finds that these values must be actively integrated, internalized, and concretized into everyday life. A key recommendation is the cultivation of an attitude of care and responsibility toward the other—beginning at the family level, where children must be raised with a mindset of love, empathy, and interconnectedness. Without such practical application and lived experience, Ubuntu values risk remaining abstract and ineffective. Therefore, for Ubuntu philosophy to have a tangible impact, its principles must be comprehended and practiced in a concretized, experiential manner, deeply embedded in the fabric of daily social interactions.