African Ethics

Question 1

Name x3 Different Ethical Approaches.

Answer 1

1. African
2. Eastern
3. Chinese

Question 2

What notion do these Different Ethical Approaches share in common with the Western philosophy?

Answer 2

Human Dignity

Question 3

Name x2 differences used as a means of common measure?

Answer 3

1. Epistemology
2. Indigenous Knowledge

Question 4

Define Epistemology (narrow).

Answer 4

The study of knowledge and justified beliefs.

Question 5

Define Epistemology (broad).

Answer 5

It refers to the Creation and Dissemination of recorded knowledge.

Question 6

Define Epistemology according to Plato and Greek Philosophy.

Answer 6

They see knowledge as comprising true Beliefs and Logic

Question 7

Give a metaphor which explains Epistemology.

Answer 7

Boat - has not foundations. Owes its strength to the stability given by its interlocking parts.

Question 8

Define Indigenous Knowledge.

Answer 8

“Local Knowledge”

Knowledge that is Unique to a given Culture or Society.

Question 9

What x4 Elements comprise African Ethics?

Answer 9

1. Integral Spirituality - holistic worldview
2. Inclusive Community - include ancestors, the living, the yet-to-be-born and ALL of Creation
3. Interdependence & Connectedness- applied to ALL living beings
4. Communal Ethics - real understanding & pragmatism regarding the common good

SCCIn

Question 10

Describe Ubuntu.

Answer 10

“A person is a person through persons”

Question 11

List and Explain the x5 Points Describing the Stance of Ubuntu.

Answer 11

1. Individualism - Ubuntu has a person at its core - end in & of themselves
2. Izinto - Ubuntu can only make sense in relation to persons
3. Isidima (Dignity) - Ubuntu suggests all persons have dignity, making them Divine
4. Mutuality - Ubuntu is based on Interdependence
5. Relationships - Ubuntu has these at its centre

Question 12

List the x6 Positive Attributes of Ubuntu Philosophy.

Answer 12

1. Universal
2. Behaviour
3. United
4. Negotiation
5. Tolerance
6. Understanding

Question 13

How does Ubuntu differ from European Philosophies?

Answer 13

European - self is private, hidden, not to be shared.

Ubuntu - self is outside body, present, open to all.

Question 14

x4 Weaknesses of Ubuntu

Answer 14

1. At odds with Capitalism
2. Lacks Epistemology
3. No independent Existence - omits sense of personal responsibility
4. Does not consider Urban Life

CEPtURe

Question 15

x6 Strengths of Ubuntu

Answer 15

1. Strong Social Consciousness
2. Life-Centred
3. Inclusive
4. Community-Centric
5. Tolerance, Compassion & Forgiveness are central
6. Nation-Building

INCLuSiveT