The African philosophy of Ntu existed a long time ago, and it brought about solidarity and oneness in African society.The importance of this paper therefore is to discuss the African Philosophy of Ntu.
The paper will start by defining the key concepts, then differentiating African philosophy from Western philosophy. The paper will go further into discussing the basic features that make up the Ntu philosophy and also, towards the end of the paper, the African philosophy will be criticised. At last a conclusion will be drawn up, summing all the main points of the paper.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
2.1 AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY
2.2 CONCEPT OF NTU
3. UNIVERSE
4. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY AND THE WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
5. BASIC FEATURES MAKING UP THE AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY OF NTU
5.1 BANTU ONTOLOGY (VITAL FORCES)
5.2 VITAL HUMAN FORCE AND THE INFERIOR FORCE (BEINGS AND INANIMATE FORCES)
5.3 THE EXISTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LIVING AND THE LIVING- DEAD
5.4 THE INTERACTION OF FORCES: ONE BEING INFLUENCING ANOTHER
5.5 HIERACHY OF FORCES: PRIMOGENITURE
5.6 UBUNTU- HUMAN –NESS
5.7 COMMENSALITY
5.8 COMMUNALISM AND SOCIALISM
5.9 BANTU ETHICS
6. CRITICISMS OF THE AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY
7. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Core Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of the African Philosophy of Ntu, exploring how this traditional worldview fosters solidarity and oneness in African society. It seeks to delineate the fundamental principles of Bantu ontology and the interconnectedness of all beings.
- The conceptual framework of Ntu and Bantu ontology.
- Distinctions between African communal philosophies and Western individualism.
- The interaction and hierarchy of vital forces among the living, the dead, and the divine.
- The manifestation of Ubuntu as a guiding principle for social cohesion.
- Ethical implications of the ontology of participation.
Excerpt from the Book
UBUNTU- HUMAN –NESS
Ubuntu means humanness and it is a traditional African philosophy that offers us an understanding of ourselves in relation with the world. Thus Ubuntu expresses the generality and oneness of being human. An African person is not only imbedded in the community, but in the universe as a whole. This is primarily expressed in the prefix ubu-of the word ubuntu. It refers to the universe as be-ing enfolded, containing everything (Bell, 2002, p. 87). The stem -ntu means the process of life as the unfolding of the universe by concrete manifestations in different forms and modes of being. According to Ubuntu, there exists a common bond between us all and it is through this bond, through our interaction with our fellow human beings, that we discover our own human qualities (Enslim, 2004, pp. 545-558).
There is principle of caring for each other’s well-being and spirit of mutual support, a sense of self dignity, self-respect and achievement within the Ubuntu spirit. It enables Africans to deal with their problems in a positive manner by drawing on the humanistic values they have inherited and perpetuated throughout their history. It is all about suppressing ones’ self for the community, that your personal identity is defined by what you give to the community. The Zulus used concepts like "Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu, which means “I am what I am because of you.” This phrase communicates a basic respect, empathy and compassion for others.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the philosophy of Ntu and outlines the structural approach of the paper.
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS: Establishes the foundational understanding of African Philosophy and the concept of Ntu as a spiritual and material harmony.
UNIVERSE: Defines the universe as a collection of entities and matter.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY AND THE WESTERN PHILOSOPHY: Highlights the shift from communal consensus in African thought to Western individualism.
BASIC FEATURES MAKING UP THE AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY OF NTU: Explores the pillars of Bantu ontology, vital forces, the role of ancestors, social cohesion through Ubuntu, commensality, and ethical frameworks.
CRITICISMS OF THE AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY: Discusses the contemporary gap between the ideal of unity and the reality of tribal divisions.
CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the core arguments regarding vital forces, communal bonds, and moral ontology.
Keywords
Ntu, African Philosophy, Bantu Ontology, Vital Force, Ubuntu, Commensality, Communalism, Socialism, Bantu Ethics, Solidarity, Oneness, Interconnectedness, Ancestors, Humanism, Consensus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on the African philosophy of Ntu, exploring how it frames the universe as a state of oneness and solidarity.
What are the primary themes discussed in the paper?
Key themes include Bantu ontology, the concept of vital forces, the societal role of Ubuntu, and the influence of commensality on community relations.
What is the primary objective of the author?
The goal is to discuss the foundational features of Ntu and demonstrate how these traditional values foster harmony within African society.
Which scientific or philosophical method is employed?
The author employs a comparative philosophical analysis, contrasting African ontological views with Western concepts of individualism.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body covers vital forces, the relationship between the living and the living-dead, the hierarchy of existence, and the ethical implications of these forces.
How would you characterize the keywords of this paper?
The keywords emphasize the holistic and communal nature of African thought, particularly focusing on 'Vital Force' and 'Ubuntu'.
How does the philosophy of Ntu influence social decision-making?
It encourages decisions based on consensus rather than individual interest, ensuring that the broader community's well-being is prioritized.
What role does the 'living-dead' play in this philosophy?
The living-dead, or ancestors, are considered to possess deeper knowledge and act as intermediaries who can intercede and advise the living in times of need.
How is the hierarchy of forces organized?
Forces are ordered by primogeniture and vital power, with God as the supreme creator, followed by the first fathers, the ancestors, and finally the living.
What criticism does the author offer regarding current reality?
The author notes that while the philosophy promotes a spirit of oneness, contemporary African society often faces tribal divisions and inequality that contradict this ideal.
- Citation du texte
- Ednah M Peter (Auteur), 2014, Modern philosophy. The African philosophy of Ntu, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/322629
