Event information

Ubuntu Philosophy, Collaborative Pedagogy & Inclusive Educational Practices

Wednesday 7th May 2025, 16:00-18:30 (BST)

This event is part of the PESGB 60th Anniversary Distinguished Lecture Series. Hosted by the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain (PESGB), CIRE, and Bristol Conversations in Education (BCE).

Venue – In person. Information on how to attend is found at the end of your order confirmation email.

Registration - Sign up for this event on the Eventbrite page. 

 

About the event

This event is part of the School of Education's Bristol Conversations in Education research seminar series. These seminars are free and open to the public.

Host: Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain (PESGB) and Centre for Comparative and International Research in Education (CIRE)

Speaker: Dr Elvis Imafidon (SOAS, University of London)

In this talk, I draw heavily on the communitarian philosophy in sub-Saharan African traditions often popularised in existing literature with the Zulu/Xhosa concept of Ubuntu to develop an inclusive philosophy of education.

I begin by examining three philosophical principles that emerge from Ubuntu namely relationality, fluidity and difference and show how they can shape our understanding of the ontology and ethics of key educational practices such as teaching/learning, curriculum design and pastoral care. I then showcase how these principles are employed in collaborative pedagogical practices in indigenous African places such as in palaver practices, and collaborative teaching and learning processes. I further show how these principles are useful in re-examining our understanding of autonomy, individuality, agency, personhood, and teamwork in academic education settings today.