Philosophy and Theology

Volume 5, Issue 1, Fall 1990

Augustine Shutte
Pages 39-54

Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu
An African Conception of Humanity

The world-wide struggle for justice and peace between the developed and the undeveloped nations is also a struggle between different conceptions of humanity. This article outlines and defends two African concepts that could provide a deeper, more humane, conception of humanity than those currently dominant in American, European or Russian thinking. The notion of umuntu ngumuntu ngbantu stresses the peculiarly intersubjective character of personal life, while the notion of seriti presents us with an idea of power or energy that overcomes the dualism of mind and matter without being materialistic. The article finally indicates the relevance of such a conception of humanity for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.