African Multidisciplinary Journals of Development

From Cartesian rationalism to Ubuntu ethics: A philosophical reorientation of peace frameworks in Africa

AMJD ID: am0005rcd408 December 4, 2025

From Cartesian rationalism to Ubuntu ethics: A philosophical reorientation of peace frameworks in Africa

Castor Mfugale
Published December 4, 2025 Pages 356-364

Article Abstract

This study critically examines the philosophical foundations of peace frameworks in Africa, contrasting the epistemological and ethical assumptions of Cartesian rationalism with the relational moral ontology of Ubuntu ethics. Cartesian-derived peace paradigms, grounded in abstract reason, individual autonomy, and procedural justice, have shaped liberal peacebuilding approaches but often fail to address the moral and relational dimensions of conflict. Ubuntu, emphasizes interdependence, communal responsibility, and moral repair, providing an ethically robust and culturally resonant framework for peace. This paper explores three objectives: (1) the epistemic and moral limitations of Cartesian rationalism in peacebuilding, (2) Ubuntu as a relational moral ontology capable of sustaining social cohesion and reconciliation, and (3) the operationalization of Ubuntu principles into practical peace frameworks in African contexts. By integrating philosophical critique, normative analysis, and empirical insights, this study proposes a pluralistic, dialogical model of peace that bridges moral theory with institutional practice.

Indexed Terms

Cartesian rationalism Ubuntu ethics Sustaining Peace
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How to Cite this Article

Castor Mfugale. "From Cartesian rationalism to Ubuntu ethics: A philosophical reorientation of peace frameworks in Africa." African Multidisciplinary Journals of Development , vol. 14 , no. 1 , 2025 , pp. 356-364

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Author Profiles

Castor Mfugale
Social Ethics and Philosophy Tanzania ORCID 0000-0003-4713-8341

Castor Bercumans Mfugale is a Tanzanian scholar and interdisciplinary researcher whose work lies at the intersection of management, ethics, African philosophy, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and institutional st...

Castor Bercumans Mfugale is a Tanzanian scholar and interdisciplinary researcher whose work lies at the intersection of management, ethics, African philosophy, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and institutional studies. His research focuses particularly on the ethical and organisational dimensions of employee performance, motivation, organisational trust, human resource development, leadership, employability, and institutional effectiveness. His scholarship also examines the contribution of Ubuntu philosophy and relational ethics to peacebuilding, social cohesion, human dignity, and sustainable development in African contexts. Through this interdisciplinary orientation, his research seeks to connect organisational and management theory with ethical and African philosophical perspectives, with particular attention to how values, relationships, institutional structures, and human agency shape organisational performance and social wellbeing. His publications address themes including training and development, organisational trust, employee performance, conflict management, employability competencies, business ethics, bioethics, and values-based approaches to economic and social development. His research is characterised by a sustained concern with developing ethically grounded, contextually relevant approaches to strengthening institutions and advancing human flourishing, particularly within African societies. His ORCID identifier is 0000-0003-4713-8341.