Under-Graduate CoursesUnder-Graduate CoursesIn this section, it is explained what this rich subject area encompasses and where its origins lie. The value of philosophy as a science is duscussed. Matters such as progress, different views on history, what a meaningful life is, relationships, discerning between good and evil, the universe and the Eastern thought are covered.
In this course, the origin of Western science is dealt with among other things. The works of great philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are introduced to students.
How to reason correctly and to avoid faulty reasoning. The phenomenon of the logical. Basic laws of thought. Various types of arguments, fallacies. Scientific methodology: hypothesis, theories and confirmation of scientific knowledge.
The works of renowned African Philosophers are studied, as well as themes in African Philosophy, e.g. Epistemology, Ethics and Political Philosophy.
Classical thought categories are studied. The student's thinking skills and insight are developed.
Man as a moral being. The foundation of values and norms. Trends in Ethics are studied, as well as, other themes e.g. Environmental Ethics, and Business Ethics.
When is knowledge scientific and when is it not? The truth of scientific knowledge. Various scientific methods and fields. Important theories such as the theory of relativity, quantum theory and theories about man and biological phenomena.
Theories about the 'ideal' society, with emphasis on the liberal tradition and its critics.
The nature of political philosophy is studied and attention is given to political theories. Various themes such as justice, freedom, democracy and human rights are discussed.
What is beauty? What is art? How does the one discern between art and non-art? The nature and problem area of aethetics is discussed with reference to all art forms (e.g. music, dance, poetry, painting, etc.)
Thinkers such as Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Freud.
Modern and postmodern theories of understanding and interpretation. The focus is on Heidegger and post-Heideggerian hermeneutics (Gadamer, Ricoeur, Derrida).
Back to Home Page