Ubuntu: I am because we are. 🌍✨

In this bonus episode of Humanism Now, we’re sharing the live recording of Professor James Ogude’s talk from the online event Understanding Ubuntu Traditions part of the Global Origins of Humanism series (co-hosted by Central London Humanists and the Association of Black Humanists). 

Prof. Ogude is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, and a leading authority on Ubuntu—the African ethical tradition of community, compassion and shared humanity.

About the series

The Global Origins of Humanism series is a new programme of online talks and discussions exploring philosophical traditions from around the world that have influenced modern humanist thought. At each event CLH & ABH welcome a leading scholar to introduce their area of expertise, followed by audience discussion.

These events are free to attend online and open to everyone. 

Upcoming events (RSVP on Meetup to join live)

• Roots of Rationalism in India with Alavari “AJ” Jeevathol — Wed 17 Sept 2025, 7pm UK 
• In Search of Zera Yacob with Dr Jonathan Egid — Wed 15 Oct 2025, 7pm UK

Prof. Ogude covers;

• How personhood is earned through relationships and community
• How Ubuntu differs from Western individualism
• Co-agency: interconnectedness of human and non-human life
• Ubuntu as an ecological ethic for climate and sustainability challenges
• The material dimension of dignity: why justice must include economic needs
• Archbishop Tutu’s role in elevating Ubuntu to a universal framework for reconciliation
• Ubuntu as a process of becoming, not a fixed identity

Selected Books by James Ogude

• Ubuntu and Personhood
• Ubuntu and the Everyday
• Ubuntu and the Reconstitution of Community 

More about the organisers

• Central London Humanists:

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Music: Blossom by Light Prism

Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.