Nietzsche and Ubuntu

Abstract

Here I argue that aspects of Nietzsche's thought may be productively compared
with the role played by the concept of ubuntu in talk of cultural renaissance
in South Africa. I show that Nietzsche respects and writes for humanity
conceived of in a vital sense, thereby imagining a sense of authenticity that
may prove significant to talk of cultural renaissance in South Africa. I question
the view that Nietzsche is an individualist, drawing on debate between
Conway (1990) and Gooding-Williams (2001), concerning the interpretation
of ‘The Dance-Song' in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, as well as on the notion of
reciprocity intrinsic to the concept of ubuntu (Shutte, 1993).

South African Journal of Philosophy Vol. 26 (1) 2007: pp. 85-97