Happiness as a complementarity to Ubuntu from a communitarianism perspective

Abstract

Many philosophers and psychologists argue that happiness is a personal experience that can only be achieved through individual action and effort. This view is reflected in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which places happiness at the top of the pyramid of human needs. In contrast, African philosophy, rooted in the concept of Ubuntu, sees humanity as a community where communalism serves as a bonding force that brings people together. This concept of community can be linked to happiness, unity, love, and care, which are all important aspects of African philosophy. The question that arises, is what the characteristics of both Ubuntu and happiness are. Emotions and sentiments are the characteristics that define these concepts, rather than specific individuals. However, these traits can become active when stimulated or triggered. This means that happiness and Ubuntu cannot exist in isolation but require a catalyst or enzyme to facilitate the process. Through a qualitative research approach, the study aims to explore the relationship between Ubuntu and happiness from a communitarian standpoint. The findings suggest that ubuntu is an important concept in African philosophy to reveal the potential of happiness. Hence, interconnection in African communities is very important for a thriving happy society. Thus, the paper concludes that the two concepts (ubuntu and happiness) intersect and bring about a more comprehensive understanding of how community and personal happiness are intertwined especially in the African context.