Ubuntu and COVID-19: A philosophical reflection

ABSTRACT

The emergence of COVID-19 has entered into and re(dis)arranged every aspect of human life. The pandemic has not only raised concerns about the extent to which hitherto-taken-for-granted human activities are no longer viable, and in some cases have become the enemies of humans, but have also created serious crises in values. There are also new fears, disarranged mental attitude and the need to develop the appropriate critical response that can be applied in helping humanity come to terms with the pandemic and its post-era. This is where Ubuntu comes in, and my interest is premised on three considerations First, to position the defining concern of our time as the recognition that all nations of the world should contribute, should have a say in issues of global concern. Second, embedded in Ubuntu is a worldview that focuses humanity on their human-humane-essence. Third, Ubuntu will provide the needed anchor if all human activities will not fall prey to a techno-centric world. Highlighting the essential values embodied in Ubuntu is not just to register a philosophical enquiry;it is crucial to a renewed appreciation of philosophy itself as a constant, critical exploration into whatever issues confronting humanity. Certainly, a novel pandemic that is redefining human activities needs philosophy, given its foundational role in addressing fundamental human concerns, wherever they arise. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reserved.