Ubuntu as an architectonic capability

Abstract

In this article I discuss human capability theory, which posits that the combined capabilities of a nation’s  citizens might be a better indication of its quality of life than the crude measure of economic growth.  Capabilities that pervade all other capabilities are referred to as architectonic capabilities. I argue that ubuntu might be viewed as an architectonic capability – that it pervades all capabilities and conveys the idea that our doing, being and becoming are dependent on others (humans and non-humans).

Keywords: Ubuntu, capability, architectonic, quality of life.