Ma'et and Isfet

In this paper the author attempts to sketch, mainly through the medium of translated texts, some modern views of the nature of the evolution of ethics in Egypt. The topic centres upon the Egyptian concept Ma'at and its opposite Isfet. Ma'at may be translated, according to the context, in a wide variety of ways: 'truth,' 'justice,' 'righteousness,' 'order,' 'correct behaviour,' and by other expressions; Isfet by their opposites. Significantly, references to these concepts occur in a very wide range of Egyptian religious, literary, didactic and autobiographical texts. The author traces the development in separate sections, from the OK through the FIP, MK, the early and mid-18th Dynasty, the Amarna Period, the Ramesside Period to the Late Period and the Hellenistic Age. Select bibliography added. (OEB)