Abstract (eng)
This dissertation in perspective of Bantu African ethical theory studies and explores Bantu peoples’ ethical pattern and moral values, so as to present a comprehensible and scholarly discernment about the concept of human dignity as basic foundation for virtuous moral living. The intention is, however, to establish a foundation of a Christian-Bantu Ethics. The explication of coherent terms, referring to a constellation of ethical value claims and normative moral requirements, from traditional ‘Bantu’ ethics, is significantly employed; such are ethical terms, namely: “Utu” (human dignity) and “Ubuntu” (humanness, humankind or humanity). It is manifested in this dissertation that, Bantu Africans conceptualise that, human dignity in terms of “Utu” and “Ubuntu” characterise a foundational moral principle, which provides guidance on socio-ethical conducts and moral behaviour. The traditional ethical patterns and moral instructions of the Bantu African people are, however, examined alongside Christian theological ethics. The central focus of dissertation, though, remains on the African moral tradition and ethical pattern. In this way, it complies with the dictum: ‘think globally, act locally!’ The concern in study work, thus, falls keen on two aspects: first, on a challenge arising from general life situation and moral conduct of the people in sub-Saharan Africa, as a whole, and Tanzania in particular; and secondly, it’s an attempt to promote Christian moral teaching in Africa, via revitalizing Bantu African ethical instructions and moral values. Meaning, such ethical instructions as they are established in the Bantu African moral theory, yet being considered with respect to Christian theological ethics. In a nutshell, the dissertation, therefore, asserts of moral lessons from the Bantu African traditional perception of human dignity and from Christian moral theology, as it unpacks analytically and so explicates this concept of human dignity as basic foundation for virtuous moral living.