Ubuntu and Social Choice Theory: An Ethical Interrogation of Group Decision-Making from an African Perspective

The challenges we face as a globalized society must undoubtedly be overcome by making choices together. Social choice theory (SCT) describes how individual preferences are aggregated under various systems to produce group choices. While the mathematical underpinnings of this field attempt to approximate a neutral normative base, debates over which decision-making processes are just and appropriate are dominated by Western perspectives and historical backgrounds. A key assumption held within this tradition is the conception of the autonomous individual. However, incorporating the relational theory of Ubuntu into ideas within SCT can allow for a new understanding of what makes an appropriate decision-making system. Relationality implies that each actor's interests must internalize the effects a choice has on other members of the community, as well as a conservative tendency towards the status quo in which relationships exist. In this chapter, we apply the African ethical theory of Ubuntu to central concepts within SCT. Two examples are discussed: William Riker’s seminal ‘Plott anecdote’ from The Art of Political Manipulation and the illegal/artisanal mining crisis in South Africa. In both cases, Ubuntu provides an alternative perspective to the preceding ethical presumption, highlighting the importance of relationality in both decision-making cases. It subsequently addresses the practical considerations, limitations and potential criticisms of this claim. We argue that Ubuntu has the potential to expand social choice theory by emphasizing relationality in decision-making processes.