Udja
A very apt story that correlates Maat philosophy with Ubuntu and the African philosophy of “We versus I”. In a certain context Maat philosophy may be considered as codified Ubuntu wisdom and thus in a mature society not only would the we versus I philosophy be cultural but also legal and literary, meaning that it would be an acknowledged and conscious reality as opposed to a cultural or subconscious custom. The point is not to denigrate the custom of Ubuntu practice, such as it is, but to highlight that the codification raises the teaching to the level of formal and dominant societal philosophy wherein other societal philosophies, norms, practices etc. coming in from other divergent and or degenerate cultures would not easily corrupt the Ubuntu/Maat society.
Furthermore, it is the contention that if Maat philosophy were recognized as a mature African philosophy, other countries in Africa today could look up to it and adopt it and use it today to lead to a higher culture. If people such as philosopher Lia Diskin and anthropologists were to view it in this light their studies could move from cultural anthropology to social science and not merely as a positive social custom as Ubuntu is treated for the most part. Nevertheless, it is not up to philosopher Lia Diskin or any western scholar to but rather it is up to any who view this teaching for its deeper wisdom and its ancient practice. So people like the Diop conference scholars, the ASCAC etc. could be interested but also African scholars such as the recently passed Ali A. Mazrui or others such as George Ayittey. However, that may not be possible given that these and others are closely associated with modern world religions and or secular culture. It seems odd that one might find more fidelity to African Tradition in a personality such as Basil Davidson. In any case, it may not be possible to have this adoption going forward (if it ever was) due to the influx of slavery, colonialism, neocolonialism orthodox religion and secular culture with its modern technology and capacity to appeal to the base aspects of the human personality left naked by the stripping away of its culture, language, norms, legends, spiritual traditions, myths and practice.
HTP
