An Ubuntu Remedy for Cognitive Decolonization of Environmental Degradation

Abstract

The issue of environmental degradation globally is considered endemic to human well-being and the environment. This, over the years has attracted various responses from diverse spheres; cultural, religious, and philosophical perspectives. They highlight the role of belief systems in shaping environmental ethics, with much emphasis on stewardship and communitarian values. However, despite all attempts to contain this global issue, persistent psychological barriers, particularly confirmation bias and anchoring bias, continue to hinder progress in addressing environmental degradation. Informed by this problem, this paper examines how these biases in this context built on anthropocentrism, prevent individuals and societies from adopting sustainable behaviors despite global campaigns and awareness of climate change and its effects. Considering that many proposed solutions have failed to adequately address the psychological factors that reinforce environmentally destructive habits, this paper establishes that it is contingent on the lack of a comprehensive approach to recognizing and at the same time overcoming these mental barriers. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes the philosophy of Ubuntu as a remedy for mental decolonization, by encouraging a turn from human-centered thinking to a more interconnected, holistic view of nature. To this end, this study analyses the intersection between psychological biases and environmental ethics, and at the end shows how the Ubuntu philosophy could remedy the problem that exists. The paper argues that by adopting Ubuntu, individuals can deconstruct biases like confirmation and anchoring, which enables them to build a mindset that views the environment as a co-tenant of the Earth rather than a resource for neither exploitation nor abuse. This shift not only addresses the psychological barriers to environmental preservation but also promotes sustainable, ethical practices through a collective sense of responsibility.