Koers (E-Journal)
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Metodologiese waarnemings by die meting van die beleefde lewensbeskoulike identiteit van ’n onderwysinstelling
Get PDFSome methodological observations during a process of measuring the “experienced” life-conceptual identity of an educational institution A project was launched by means of which it was hoped to establish to what extent the academic staff of a Faculty of Education at a South African university succeeded in actually living and experiencing the beliefs contained in their shared reformational view of life. This article is, however, neither a systematic report on the project itself nor of its findings. It rather focuses on some of the methodological problems that were encountered in the researchers’ efforts to apply quantitative research procedures to measuring a life-concept as a theoretical construct. It is concluded that such procedures should be augmented with qualitative research methods. Several other methodological measures are recommended for increasing the chances of success in a project of this nature
Ses dekades opvoedingsfilosofie sedert J. Chris Coetzee – waar staan ons vandag?
Get PDFSix decades of philosophy of education since J. Chris Coetzee – where do we stand today? Approximately six decades have gone by since Professor J. Chris Coetzee first published his “Introduction to the philosophy of education” (the title of which can be translated as “Introduction to general theoretical education”). This article is aimed at explaining how the field of reformational philosophy of education in South Africa has developed during these six decades. The discussion does not follow the pattern of a mere historical review of events in the field. Use is made of recent developments in the fields of the history and sociology of science to explain the condition that philosophy of education in South Africa currently finds itself. Theories about the evolution of science developed by Kuhn, Neurath, Barrow and others are used to explain the nature of the crises experienced in this field of science
\u27In die begin ...\u27: oor vertrekpunte en die verstaan van tekste
Get PDF\u27In the beginning ...\u27: on points of departure and understanding texts This article renders a contribution to the discussion on evolution from a theological point of view. It is interested in laying bare the epistemological points of departure that are reflected in studies related to the creation-evolution debate, especially those behind recent interpretations of Genesis 1 and 2. In an argument mirroring Ricoeur’s central thesis, examples of a first naïveté when reading the creation texts in the Bible are given. Next, a few examples of recent interpretations of the creation texts are given in order to indicate the present state of knowledge in the field. Lastly, one example is given in which these results were taken serious within a faith context, that led to what can be viewed as the development of a second naïveté
Eating disorders among adolescents in South African public schools – a biblical perspective
Get PDFSociety’s obsession with thinness and body image is part of every school’s hidden curriculum. The ideal to be skinny and thin resulted in an escalation in eating disorders among adolescents in South Africa. Some of the learners are only in the senior phase (Grades 7 to 9) of the general education and training band. It is therefore timely to review the problem of eating disorders, especially among adolescents in South African public schools. The purpose of this article is firstly to provide policy-makers, curriculum developers, educational ad-ministrators and educators with knowledge of the biblical view of health and to illustrate the pedagogical potential of such a view. Secondly the purpose is to assist Christian educators in teaching learners in public schools the necessary knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to counteract eating disorders by using, among other things, biblical truths
How to compare cultures? The case of historical thinking
Get PDFComparative studies in historiography are rare. In most cases authors use a pre-given idea of the essentials of historical thinking and historiography to compare Western with non-Western phenomena in the field of historical representation in general, and historiography in particular. This approach to comparison is very problematic since the presupposed paradigm of historiography is an abstraction in the Western tradition. As a consequence this comparison brings about knowledge on non-Western historical thinking and historio-graphy in so far as it is similar to or different from the Western one. Difference normally imply deviation or a lack of historicity. However, comparing Western historiography with Chinese historiography, does not bring about such a big difference as we witness in the case of for example India. Nevertheless, a cultural bias in the comparative work exists that makes the results of comparative work problematic. The article proposes a theoretical means of intercultural comparison that is grounded in a general theory of historical thinking, presented in the form of its matrix. This matrix is explicated, discussed and differentiated into a set of items which can be used as criteria of comparison
Should humans interfere in the lives of elephants?
Get PDFCulling seems to be a cruel method of human interference in the lives of elephants. Culling is generally used to control population numbers of highly developed mammals to protect vegetation and habitat for other species. Many people are against human interference in the lives of elephants. In this article aspects of this highly controversial issue are explored. Three fascinating characteristics of this ethical dilemma are discussed in the introductory part, and then the major arguments raised against human interference in the lives of elephants are evaluated. These arguments are the following: First, that nature should be allowed to run its course and establish its own balance; nature will thus solve the problem of elephant over-population. The second argument raised by animal-rights activists as well as by animal-welfare groups either claim that animals have rights that humans must respect at all times, or that all sentient beings have interests that humans ought to respect, as those beings can experience pleasure or pain. The third argument often associates culling elephants as method for population control with the commercial use and exploitation of wilderness areas. Many people argue that it is unethical to use wildlife as a sustainable resource for fighting poverty. In conclusion it is stated that despite these arguments huma
Karakteropvoeding in Suid-Afrikaanse skole
Get PDFCharacter education in South African schools The success of a democratic society as well as effective teaching and learning presupposes virtuous people who live according to certain core values. This article focuses from a Christian perspective on character education, one of the approaches by which values can be established in South African schools. The proponents of character education accept the existence of certain core ethical values. Parents, schools and communities can work together to help children understand these values, care about them and try to live accordingly. The various methods employed by this approach to instill values in schools are discussed critically. The specific problems which the complex pluralistic South African society presents to this comprehensive approach to the instilling of values are also discussed. The critics of this approach warn against the possibility of hidden dangers of rigidity, moralising, manipulation and indoctrination which are all contraproductive to moral development. From a Biblical-educational point of view this approach can successfully be used to instill core Biblical values, on condition that it is accompanied by credible adult role models and that due consideration is given to the uniqueness of the individuals involved. Character-education, if applied with awareness of the comprehensiveness of the approach and sensitivity to the multi-cultural situation, has the potential to address the moral dilemmas in South African schools
Kerk en samelewing: ’n Christelik-filosofiese besinning
Get PDFChurch and society: a Christian-philosophical reflection The problem to be discussed is the role of the church in society. In spite of the fact that this was a topical issue throughout centuries, it has today – especially because of the increasing secularisation of the social environment – become a burning issue. It seems as if churches are becoming more and more marginalised, as if they have lost their relevance for broader societal life. This article, however, indicates that a major reason for the situation may be with the churches themselves, viz. a wrong conception about their own identity. From a Biblical-Reformational perspective this wrong view is first explained historically. It is followed by a systematic exposition of the church as a societal relationship. Such a Christian-philosophical analysis in no way harms, but rather enhances the uniqueness of the church. According to this philosophy of society the church no longer needs to be irrelevant. The contribution is concluded by indicating, on the one hand, how the church should not be involved in societal life and, on the other hand, how it should correctly be related to the other aspects of life
Integrasie of transformasie? \u27Geloof en wetenskap\u27 of \u27gelowige wetenskap\u27 as vertrekpunte vir integrale Christelike wetenskapsbeoefening
Get PDFIntegration or transformation? \u27Faith and scholarship\u27 or \u27faith-directed scholarship\u27 as starting-point for integral Christain scientific endeavour To be discussed in this article is the question whether the contemporary model of integration can be accepted as a valid way towards genuine Christian scholarship. To find an answer to this problem, the following steps are taken. In the introduction attention is asked for the present popularity – overseas as well as in South Africa – of this model of “faith and science”. Subsequently, the meaning of “integration” as viewed by its proponents is explained. In the following section different arguments are advanced against the integration model. The conclusion is that such a model for Christian scientific endeavour should not be regarded as the ideal. In the case of the alternative, viz. integral Christian scholarship, Christian belief is not merely tagged on to “standard” science. The contents of the different disciplines should be transformed in the light of God’s revelation, a Christian worldview, a Christian philosophy, subject philosophy and subject theory
The responsibility of the state and the calling of the church in the South African context of crime and violence – a theological investigation
Get PDFThis article investigates not only the complex relation between church and state, but also the general and particular responsibilities of the state towards crime and violence. In this regard attention is also paid to the calling and task of the church. The conclusion arrived at is rather alarming in that the moral situation in South Africa has reached a nadir such that the state and the church – each in its own way – has to broach the challenge with great urgency. On the one hand crime and violence should be brought back to “normal” proportions, while on the other hand, South Africa is in desperate need of a new moral orientation and a new culture of respect for human life and the possessions of others