Maat, the moral ideal in ancient Egypt: a study in classical African ethics

Maat is the moral ideal of ancient Egypt whose texts contain information on Egypt’s moral standards, its concepts of right from wrong, codes of behaviour and obligations. Written by a teacher of the tradition of Maat, this study is the `first philosophical book that is based on a philologically and historically critical treatment of first-hand Egyptian material’. Focusing on the Maatian ideal rather than moral practices, Karenga discusses what Maat is and its place within the genre of philosophical ethics and morality, asking what it can contribute to modern African culture and values. Extracts are transcribed and translated into English.