Introduction
Ubuntu and secular humanism might arise from different cultural and philosophical traditions, but both emphasise our shared humanity, dignity, and moral responsibility. Ubuntu is an African worldview captured in the phrase “I am because we are,” while secular humanism is a non-religious ethical stance that values human welfare, reason, and compassion without reliance on supernatural beliefs.
The SA Secular Society (SASS) activities are founded on both concepts.
Core Philosophy & Values
“I Am Because We Are”: Ubuntu’s Relational Worldview and Humanist Interconnectedness
At the heart of Ubuntu is the idea that an individual’s identity and well-being are inextricably linked to the community. This relational worldview rejects atomistic individualism in favour of mutual dependence. Secular humanism, although often originating in more individualist Western traditions, also recognises human interconnectedness. Humanists argue that our obligations to others arise from shared humanity, not divine command, and that social cooperation is essential for human flourishing.
Shared Dignity: How Both Traditions Champion Human Worth
A cornerstone of both Ubuntu and Secular Humanism is the unwavering commitment to human dignity. Ubuntu inherently values every individual, seeing each person as an integral part of the communal fabric, deserving of respect, care, and compassion. This dignity is not conditional on status, wealth, or belief, but is an inherent quality of being human.
Secular Humanism, freed from the constraints of divine command, grounds its ethics in the inherent worth of every human being. It champions human rights, autonomy, and the right to self-determination. For humanists, dignity is not divinely bestowed but arises from our shared humanity, our capacity for reason, empathy, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Both traditions converge on the fundamental premise that all humans possess intrinsic value and deserve to be treated with respect and fairness.
Collective Responsibility in Ubuntu and Secular Humanism
Ubuntu’s focus on community leads to a strong sense of collective responsibility. One’s moral duties extend beyond personal well-being to the welfare of others. Secular humanism, too, argues for responsibility beyond the self: it supports social justice, environmental stewardship, and the reduction of suffering wherever it is found. In both traditions, ethics is not just about individual rights but also about shared obligations.
Ethical Frameworks
Secular Ethics in Ubuntu and Humanist Thought
A striking similarity between Ubuntu and Secular Humanism lies in their capacity for robust ethical frameworks that are not dependent on supernatural revelation or religious dogma. Ubuntu’s ethics are deeply rooted in practical wisdom, communal well-being, and the cultivation of virtues such as empathy, compassion, and reconciliation. Morality arises from the lived experience of human interaction and the pursuit of harmonious relationships.
Similarly, Secular Humanism derives its ethics from human reason, empathy, and a commitment to evidence-based understanding. It seeks to establish moral principles through critical inquiry and a focus on human flourishing in this life. Both traditions demonstrate that profound and compassionate ethical systems can emerge from a purely human-centred perspective, free from the dictates of religious authority.
Community Care as Moral Imperative
Ubuntu teaches that caring for others is not optional but central to being fully human. This resonates with the humanist principle that we have a moral duty to alleviate suffering and promote well-being. Whether through formal social support systems or informal acts of kindness, both traditions see community care as essential to a good society.
Justice through Human Agency: Moving Beyond Religious Authority
Neither Ubuntu nor secular humanism relies on divine authority to justify moral choices. Instead, they ground justice in human needs and capacities. Ubuntu-informed restorative justice practices in South Africa, for instance, focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than seeking retribution from a higher power. Similarly, secular humanism emphasises that humans must take responsibility for building fair, equitable societies.
Practical Applications of Ubuntu and Humanism
Ubuntu in Action: Restorative Justice and Humanist Problem-Solving
The practical applications of Ubuntu are perhaps most famously exemplified in restorative justice practices. Instead of solely focusing on punishment, restorative justice aims to heal the harm caused by crime and conflict, involving victims, offenders, and the community in a process of dialogue and repair. This aligns remarkably with the humanist approach to problem-solving, which prioritises reason, evidence, and collaborative solutions to societal challenges. Both seek pragmatic ways to address complex issues, focusing on human well-being as the ultimate goal.
Building Inclusive Communities: Lessons from African Philosophy and Western Humanism
Ubuntu offers a model for building inclusive communities that value every member’s contribution. Humanist groups similarly advocate for inclusive, democratic societies that respect diversity. Both traditions encourage active participation, dialogue, and empathy as means to strengthen social bonds.
Dialogue over Division: How Both Traditions Approach Conflict Resolution
Ubuntu encourages dialogue to resolve conflict and mend broken relationships. Secular humanism similarly favours negotiation, understanding, and compromise over authoritarian or violent solutions. Both traditions see listening and empathy as vital to sustaining peaceful, cohesive societies.
Historical Context & Modern Relevance
Ubuntu’s Role in South Africa’s Transformation
Ubuntu played a pivotal role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a secular democracy. Archbishop Desmond Tutu famously invoked Ubuntu to explain the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that underpinned the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It provided a moral compass, urging both victims and perpetrators to seek healing and build a shared future based on a common humanity, rather than retribution. This historical demonstration of Ubuntu’s power in a deeply fractured society underscores its immense practical relevance.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Values: Ubuntu’s Timeless Relevance to Contemporary Humanism
Despite its deep roots in African tradition, Ubuntu remains strikingly relevant to modern secular ethics. Its focus on relationality and community resonates with contemporary humanist concerns about loneliness, inequality, and environmental destruction. Ubuntu reminds humanists that ethical life is fundamentally social.
Read our article on African Humanism.
Decolonising Humanism: What Ubuntu Teaches Western Secular Thought
Ubuntu challenges Western humanism to examine its own biases and individualism. By embracing relational values and community-oriented ethics, secular humanism can become more globally inclusive. Ubuntu thus plays a role in “decolonising” humanist thought, broadening its moral imagination beyond Eurocentric assumptions.
Challenges & Criticisms
When Community and Individual Rights Collide
Ubuntu’s strong emphasis on community can risk suppressing individual rights, especially for minorities or dissenters. Similarly, secular humanist societies can struggle to balance collective good with individual freedoms. Both traditions must navigate these tensions carefully to avoid infringing on personal autonomy.
Navigating Tradition and Progress in Both Worldviews
Ubuntu draws on traditional cultural practices, which can include patriarchal or conservative elements. Secular humanism, too, must be wary of uncritically celebrating “progress” that ignores cultural contexts. Both traditions face the challenge of honouring valuable traditions while promoting human rights and equality.
The Risk of Romanticization: Honest Assessments of Both Philosophies
Ubuntu is sometimes idealised as inherently harmonious, overlooking real social conflicts and inequalities. Likewise, secular humanists can romanticise reason and progress while ignoring systemic injustices. Honest appraisal requires recognising both traditions’ strengths and limitations without resorting to caricature or uncritical praise.
Closing Thoughts
Ubuntu and Secular Humanism, despite distinct origins, share profound commitments to human dignity, community, and ethical living beyond religious frameworks. Ubuntu’s relational worldview enriches Western Humanism, while Secular Humanism offers critical inquiry tools for justice. Their dialogue reveals valuable insights for building a more compassionate, equitable world. This convergence isn’t merely academic—it’s an invitation to actively construct a future celebrating our shared humanity.
Find out how the South African Secular Society puts these philosphies into practice.