LJU4801 ASSIGNMENT 2 MEMO SUPER SEMESTER
LLB EXAM PACKS AND TUTORIALS
➢ Past paper solutions,
➢ notes,
➢ summaries,
➢ assignment packs &
➢ tuitions
LJU4801
LEGAL PHILOSOPHY
UNISA
2022
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 2
TOTAL: 20 MARKS
, For this assignment, you need to read the following article and answer the
questions. The article can be found under Additional resources -> Prescribed
reading. Metz T "Towards an African moral theory" 2007 Journal of Political
Philosophy 321 – 341
1. The author argues that Western and African philosophies agree on 6 moral
principles, but that African philosophy includes a further 6 principles not found
in western philosophy. In your own words, explain what these principles are.
(Max word count 200.) (5)
When it comes to the reproach about the vagueness of Ubuntu as a philosophical
thought, Thaddeus Metz examines six theoretical interpretations of the concept of
Ubuntu:
U1: An action is right just insofar as it respects a person’s dignity; an act is wrong to
the extent that it degrades humanity.
U2: An action is right just insofar as it promotes the well-being of others; an act is
wrong to the extent that it fails to enhance the welfare of one’s fellows.
U3: An action is right just insofar as it promotes the well-being of others without
violating their rights; an act is wrong to the extent that it either violates rights or fails to
enhance the welfare of one’s fellows without violating rights.
U4: An action is right just insofar as it positively relates to others and thereby realizes
oneself; an act is wrong to the extent that it does not perfect one’s valuable nature as
a social being.
U5: An action is right just insofar as it is in solidarity with groups whose survival is
threatened; an act is wrong to the extent that it fails to support a vulnerable community.
U6: An action is right just insofar as it produces harmony and reduces discord; an act
is wrong to the extent that it fails to develop community (Metz, 2007).
LLB EXAM PACKS AND TUTORIALS
➢ Past paper solutions,
➢ notes,
➢ summaries,
➢ assignment packs &
➢ tuitions
LJU4801
LEGAL PHILOSOPHY
UNISA
2022
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 2
TOTAL: 20 MARKS
, For this assignment, you need to read the following article and answer the
questions. The article can be found under Additional resources -> Prescribed
reading. Metz T "Towards an African moral theory" 2007 Journal of Political
Philosophy 321 – 341
1. The author argues that Western and African philosophies agree on 6 moral
principles, but that African philosophy includes a further 6 principles not found
in western philosophy. In your own words, explain what these principles are.
(Max word count 200.) (5)
When it comes to the reproach about the vagueness of Ubuntu as a philosophical
thought, Thaddeus Metz examines six theoretical interpretations of the concept of
Ubuntu:
U1: An action is right just insofar as it respects a person’s dignity; an act is wrong to
the extent that it degrades humanity.
U2: An action is right just insofar as it promotes the well-being of others; an act is
wrong to the extent that it fails to enhance the welfare of one’s fellows.
U3: An action is right just insofar as it promotes the well-being of others without
violating their rights; an act is wrong to the extent that it either violates rights or fails to
enhance the welfare of one’s fellows without violating rights.
U4: An action is right just insofar as it positively relates to others and thereby realizes
oneself; an act is wrong to the extent that it does not perfect one’s valuable nature as
a social being.
U5: An action is right just insofar as it is in solidarity with groups whose survival is
threatened; an act is wrong to the extent that it fails to support a vulnerable community.
U6: An action is right just insofar as it produces harmony and reduces discord; an act
is wrong to the extent that it fails to develop community (Metz, 2007).
