Philosophy @ Fort Hare
fort hare:
Philosophy @ Fort Hare
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"The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with the falling of the dusk"
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Welcome
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the
owl, the olive tree, fine arts, harmony, passion and a female warrior in full battle
armour :~ |
Philosophy is one of eight academic departments in the
School of Humanities.
Together with the School of Social Sciences and Centre for Theology,
the School of Humanities is one of three core units of
the
Faculty of Social Sciences
and Humanities.
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The photo above shows the famous FREEDOM SQUARE on the Alice campus |
Click on in a NUTSHELL to read a SYNOPSIS of what the Philosophy Department is about
Click on Departmental Staff for our detailed contact information
Blogsite for PHILOSOPHY STUDENTS: Fort Hare Philosophy Students Association.
NEWS & EVENTS 2009
| Friday 29 August 2009 |
"Foucault, intellectuals and universities" Prof Bert Olivier (Philosophy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) Venue: Staff lounge |
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Tuesday 25 August 2009 Alice |
"Man - A moral ape?" Dr Fainos Mangena (GMRDC, UFH) Venue: Staff Centre (downstairs), Alice Time: 13h00-13h45 |
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| 4 August 2009 Alice Philosophy Colloquium |
"Can we trust Obama?" Prof Aminur Rahim, Development Studies, UFH Venue: Staff Centre (downstairs), Alice Time: 13h00-13h45 |
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| June 2009 East London |
Humanities feature at major local community event Click here for more details! |
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| 20 May 2009: East London | CONGRATULATIONS to our colleague Abraham & Isabel
on the birth of their son, Fyodor, in East London!
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| 8 May 2009: East London Philosophy Colloquium |
“Friends, enemies, citizens:
Reflections on political friendship" Dr Vasti Roodt, Dept of Philosophy, University of Stellenbosch Venue: Staff lounge |
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| 5 May 2009: Alice Philosophy Colloquium |
"Why
couldn't we get rid of God?"
Discussion led by:
Mr Jacques Pienaar (Private Law), Prof Graham Bradley (Biochemistry), Prof Aminur Rahim (Development Studies) Venue: De Beers Art Gallery |
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| 17 March 2009 Alice: Philosophy Colloquium |
Dr. Tom Martin (Philosophy, Rhodes
University) "Jean-Paul Sartre on racism and being human" Venue: Arts Faculty Board Room Time: 13h00-13h45 |
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| 13 March 2009 East London: Philosophy Colloquium |
Prof Felicity Wood
(English Comparative Literature, Alice, Fort Hare) "Being inhuman. Sorcery in the academy: universities and the occult rituals of the corporate world." Main Building Staff lounge: 13h00-13h45 |
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| 10 March 2009 Alice: Philosophy Colloquium |
DIALOGUE led by
Dr. Fainos Mangena, Profs Tobie
Louw and Abraham Olivier:
"Does nature really talk?"
(Responses to Olivier’s paper: Nature talk –
talking nature). Venue: Arts Faculty Board Room Time: 13h00-13h45 |
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| 1 March 2009 Alice and East London |
Brand new tutors for Philosophy! The services of Rhodes MA students, Ms Sharli Paphitis and Ms Nimi Hoffmann have been obtained to assist with tutoring our growing student numbers on both campuses. We are looking forward to this new exposure and challenge for our students! |
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| first term programme | First term Philosophy Colloquium
Programme on the series, BEING HUMAN:
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| 20 Feb 2009 | Success for Philosophy MA student: Mr Mbongo Muyingi has been notified that he has passed the evaluation by the examiners of his dissertation entitled, "A comparison of ethical models for conflict resolution in the African context." The supervisors were Profs Louw and Olivier. The department wishes Mr Muyingi success with his future. |
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| 18 Feb 2009 Alice campus |
GMRDC event: Prof Olivier presents
the paper he read at the
22nd World Congress of Philosophy held at Seoul, Korea,
in 2008, entitled:
“Nature
Talk – Nature Talking? Perspectives on a phenomenology of language” Time : 13h00 to 14h00 Venue : UFH Alice Campus Staff centre ( Downstairs) |
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| Week of 9-13 Feb
2009 East London campus |
Historic event for Philosophy:
Philosophy lectures commence on the East London campus! The Department welcomes
the more than 40 new first year students to this exciting challenge!
Venue: Ashton Chubb Lecture Theatre, Main Building.
Teaching days: |
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| 10 Feb 2009 Alice |
PHL 300 student, Mr. S'bu Mnyanda, has won an internship to start working with the new UFH Grounding Programme. The department's heartfelt congratulations to him on this achievement! |
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| 19-21 January 2009 National Conference hosted by Fort Hare philosophers Hogsback |
The UFH Philosophy Department hosts the annual conference of the Philosophical Society of Southern Africa in Hogsback. The event turns out to be a huge success. The Department wishes to thank all role players! The conference was opened by Vice Chancellor, Dr Mvuyo Tom, and Faculty Dean, Prof John Hendricks. Click on this link to access the conference report to Faculty. |
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| 20 January 2009 | PSSA annual conference in Hogsback. Prof Olivier presents a research paper entitled: "Natural language – perspectives on the language of nature" |
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| 20 January 2009 | PSSA annual conference in Hogsback. Prof Louw presents a research paper entitled: "The merchant state: friend or foe of the people?" |
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| 1 January 2009 Associate professorship for philosopher |
Abraham Olivier, Senior Lecturer in
the Philosophy Dept at UFH until 2008, was promoted to Associate Professor w.e.f.
1 Jan 2009. This announcement is publicly made by
Faculty Dean, Prof Hendricks, at the PSSA opening even on 18 Jan 2009.
Prof. Olivier: the Department salutes you! The three new Humanities associate professors from left to right: Bernard Bleibinger (Music), Felicity Wood (English), Abraham Olivier (Philosophy). The photo was taken at the celebration event hosted by the Director of the School of Humanities on Wed 11 February 2009 at the Staff Centre on the Alice campus. |
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click for details
click
for details
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22 October 2008 Alice campus |
Philosophy and SSH Faculty Dialogue: Panel discussion on
"Xenophobia"
Prof John Hendricks (Dean), Dr Wilson Akpan (Sociology), Prof Herman Van Erp, (visiting Dutch philosopher), Mr Vusumzi Duma (Sociology), Ms Elize Schade (visiting Refugee specialist, Holland) |
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24 October 2008 Philosophy Students Colloquium, Alice |
Topic: "Racism" Speaker: Mr Emmanuel Mungoni (Philosophy 300 student) |
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17 October 2008 East London |
Prof Herman van Erp discusses the topic: "Moral and personal identity" |
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7 October 2008 Philosophy Students Colloquium, Alice |
Mr Mbongo Muyingi (MA student, Philosophy) presents
the topic: "African Ethics?"
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| International Book Review | Being in Pain: by Prof Vince Luizi in 'Philosophy Now' (click on link) |
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15 September 2008 Alice |
Prof Kofi Etsiah (Political Science, UFH) deliberates on the topic: "The flight of charms at the touch of cold philosophy. On the collapse of values in contemporary society." |
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6 September 2008 Annual Philosophy Spring Colloquium: Rhodes University, Grahamstown |
Dr Abraham Olivier presents the topic: "The cosmic self" |
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6 September 2008 Annual Philosophy Spring Colloquium: Rhodes University, Grahamstown |
Prof Tobie Louw presents the topic: "Philosophy works! Conflict-resolving interpretation" |
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1 September 2008 Philosophy Colloquium ALICE |
Prof Bruce Janz (Univ Florida, US) presents the topic: "Practicality and creativity in African Philosophy" |
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22 August 2008 Philosophy Colloquium EAST LONDON |
Mr Jacques Pienaar (Law Faculty, UFH) discusses the
topic: "Does God make a difference to being human?" |
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11 August 2008 Philosophy Colloquium ALICE |
Dr Samantha Vice (Rhodes University) discusses the topic: "What's wrong with cynicism?" |
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| 30 July - 4 August 2008 | Dr Abraham OIivier attends the 22nd World Congress of Philosophy held at Seoul, Korea, and reads a paper “Nature Talk – Nature Talking? Perspectives on a phenomenology of language”. Congratulations Abraham! |
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| 15-19 July 2008 ISBEE conference |
Prof Tobie Louw with Dr. Gwendolyn Alexis of Monmouth University in the USA, relaxing at the Waterfront in Cape Town, after the memorable conference |
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| 15-19 July 2008 | Prof Tobie Louw attends the 4th world conference of ISBEE (the International Society for Business, Economics and Ethics) in Cape Town, RSA, and reads a paper “The ethics of whistle blowing: an evaluation of a South African case”. Well done! |
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22 May 2008 FSSH Student Dialogue ALICE |
First FSSH Student Dialogue in Alice: topic: "African Identity". Mr Emmanuel Mungoni presents paper on the above topic on behalf of Philosophy. Prof Louw provides opening and welcome address on behalf of university (unofficially) |
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22 May 2008 Philosophy Students Colloquium ALICE |
research paper on "Whistle blowing" by Mr Nkosinathi Sotshangane (PhD student, philosophy) from WSU |
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20 May Tuesday Philosophy Colloquium |
"Identity, Ethnicity and Nationalism" by Prof Hugh McMillan (visiting historian, Oxford) | |
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15 May 2008 Philosophy Students Colloquium ALICE |
"What is Philosophy?" by Mr Emmanuel Mungoni Philosophy Students Association Colloquium |
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| 12 May 2008 Monday Philosophy Colloquium Alice | "Crossing boundaries between the human and the non-human" by Prof. Harry Sewlall |
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| 9 May 2008 Friday East London |
"Race and Racism"
Prof Tobias Louw |
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30 April - 2 May 2008
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5th Conference of the SASGPH (SA Society for Greek Philosophy and the Humanities):~ Pretoria, Johannesburg. Prof. Louw reads research paper: "The value and use of Socratic principles for integrity training in organizations" |
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21 April 2008 Philosophy Colloquium ALICE |
Dr Mathew Blatchford Staff Centre downstairs lounge 12h45-13h30: Monday 14 April |
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28 March 2008 New Doctoral student welcomed to Philosophy |
Mr Nkosinathi Shotshangane has registered for the D Litt et Phil degree in Philosophy. He is a senior researcher at WSU. |
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15 March 2008 Book publication by a friend and former UFH student of philosophy |
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15 March 2008 Departmental OUTREACH Historical Commemoration |
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| March 2008 | UFH Philosophy Students Association relaunched, 2008 executive committee elected | |
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14 March 2008 (Friday) Philosophy Colloquium ALICE campus |
'Why back to our mother tongue?"
(20 minute presentation, followed by open discussion) Dr Abraham Olivier (Philosophy Dept.) |
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3 March 2008 (Monday) Philosophy Colloquium ALICE campus
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"Mother
tongue and academic discourse" (20 minute
presentation, followed by open discussion) Staff Lounge 12:45-13:30 Dr Abraham Olivier (Philosophy Dept.) |
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17 February 2008 Prof Tobie Louw on national television in the SABC2 series on Ethics
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SPECIAL NEWS |
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16-18 January 2008
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JANUARY 2008 Prof Louw: The meaning of power in Ricoeur’s interpretation of the “masters of suspicion” Dr. Olivier:- Mind: the Open Brain. Suggestions from a Phenomenological Perspective |
and excel some more they did.... Congratulations on this achievement! |
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International book review on Dr Olivier's recent publication: Being in Pain (2007): Journal of Analytic Psychology Volume 52 Issue 4 Page 533-537. Click on the title above to read the review. |
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2008 WELCOME TO ALL OLD AND NEW PHILOSOPHY STUDENTS |
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SPECIAL international event: Thursday 15 November 2007 |
UNESCO WORLD PHILOSOPHY DAY Philosophy @UFH to participate in this annual global event - WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE DETAILS.Our topic: "Learning to philosophize." |
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Philosopher guest speaker at the first Award Ceremony of the Fort Hare TLC (Teaching and Learning Centre) Friday 26 October 2008 |
Dr Abraham Olivier on the
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UFH Philosophy Students Association
year-end |
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FSSH Dialogues series East London campus Wednesday 17 October 2007 (click here to read ABSTRACT) |
"Finite, Fallible, Servile: Paul Ricoeur’s
early methodological journey" |
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11 September 2007 (part of ongoing bi-weekly Tuesday
Colloquium series) Visiting lecturer Dr. Pedro Tabensky Topic : "Poetic Dwelling" -- all welcome! |
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Café Philo |
30 August 2007 @ 18:30-20:00 |
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14 August 2007
(part of ongoing bi-weekly Tuesday Colloquium series) Dr. Chandra Kumar (Canada): "Progress, Freedom and Human Nature" ~ incl. a critique of JJ Rousseau's view of the origins of inequality |
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Community Outreach: Departments of Afrikaans and Philosophy show their talents at Nahoon Primary School, East London |
Commemoration of
Afrikaans poet NP van Wyk Louw: 30 July 2007
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Fort Hare Philosophy Students Association reactivated |
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Semester |
1 (2007) | |
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Excellent talk by visiting Fulbright Ethics scholar Prof. Vince Luizzi on the topic: "Reflections of an applied ethicist” ~ A review of Dr. Abraham Olivier's book, Being in Pain : 31 May 2007 | |
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Being in Pain: Successful philosophy book launch : 31 May 2007 | |
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special feature: |
Click here to read the author's own summary of the
book, Being in Pain, as well as a question & answer discussion about its contents |
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Philosopher
in Border team winning national tennis championships 21-25 May 2007 |
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Fascinating
presentation by visiting philosophy professor, Paul Taylor on the
question: "Is racism a philosophical problem?"
: 14 May Click also HERE
to see the original advertisement pamphlet 2007 |
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ongoing projects:
But now, back to basics again. To read a few short pieces of philosophy right away, do the following:
sit in on the trial of Socrates in the Apology
enter Plato's Cave (but beware...)
immerse yourself in 18th century Kantian 'Zen': "An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?"
and turn Kant upside down with Foucault's critique of Kant's prize-winning essay above
confront your moral sensibilities with Kant's question: "May I, when in distress, make a promise with the intention not to keep it?"
be amazed by Ortega's epilogue on the mental attitude of disillusionment (at the sunset of the revolution)
let Rilke's breathtaking sonnet about the "Rider-constellation" capture your imagination
become lost in thought by what follows on Ortega's mixed metaphor "the expression most fragrant with the scent of life...."
and find out why Nietzsche advises "not to forget the whip" when visiting women (WHAT?!)
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To teach how to live
with uncertainty,
is perhaps the chief
thing |
Of course, philosophy can be phun too!
"One does not kill by anger, but by laughter. Come, let us kill the Spirit
of Gravity", Nietzsche's Zarathustra said.
Click on Hägar or Eddie below for some
more philosophical humour.
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"I think, therefore I am" (René insists) Descartes is now also
sitting in a bar, having a drink. The bartender asks him if he would like
another. |
On these pages you will also make a basic acquaintance with the discipline of Philosophy, gain information about the UFH Philosophy Department and its background, and learn about the academic programmes on offer.
An oft' raised issue is how a study of philosophy can help in the job market. This issue is tackled head-on in the section called Jobs for Philosophers.
One of the things we have learned through Philosophy is that what is nowadays referred to as "multi-skilling" comes naturally to us. Entrepreneurship, for example, is first and foremost a special way of thinking, a way of envisioning the world, interacting with it and acting upon it.
Basic information is provided on some of the leading organisations dealing with Philosophy in South Africa, namely the PSSA [the Philosophical Society of Southern Africa] and SAPCA [the Southern African Philosopher Consultants Association].
@
to
MAKE YOUR OWN LOGO LIKE THIS, VISIT
www.cooltext.com !
An interesting part of this site deals with the personalities that have been involved with Philosophy at Fort Hare since its inception in the early 1960's. You can also see a photographic representation of some beautiful faces.
Publications, ongoing projects, linkages and the like are covered under RESEARCH. See also our NEWS link about a new book publication by A. Olivier, Being in Pain (2007). Look specifically for references to other departmental publications such as the 562-page Gerhard A Rauche - Selected Philosophical Papers (compiled, introduced and edited by T.J.G. Louw), and more excellent titles such as Knowledge and Experience, Theory and Practice, and A Student's Key to Ancient Greek Thought (G.A. Rauche). Most of these works can be ordered directly from us. Information about ongoing research projects will naturally be posted in the section too.
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What
is the first business of philosophy? To part with self-conceit. For it
is impossible for anyone to begin to learn what he thinks that he already
knows.
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We come late, if at all, to wine and
philosophy: whiskey and action are easier. |
A section is also to be devoted to post-graduate work in the form of Honours students extended essays, written Masters dissertations and Doctoral theses.
We also feature a special section on Popular Philosophy Texts. Some of our own material will soon be downloadable free of charge, for some we'll charge a minimal fee, and others can be purchased in book form.
For the valued philosophy student alumni at Fort Hare we have created a special connection, called the Alumni Corner. We invite everyone who has had formal dealings with our department to send us their comments, record their memories, add suggestions and see some lovely photographs.
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"Old friends meet again" The historical photo on the right features Prof. Gerhard Rauche and past UFH Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sibusiso Bengu. Prof. Rauche was then Head of Philosophy at UFH. Prof. Bengu thereafter became national Minister of Education and also UFH Chancellor. As a young student at Umpumulo Teachers Training College in KZN, Prof. Bengu attended Prof. Rauche's English language classes. They again met years later at Fort Hare: Rauche as philosopher professor and Bengu as university principal! The occasion was the book launch of Prof. Tobie Louw's compilation entitled, Gerhard A Rauche - Selected Philosophical Papers (1992). See also excerpts from Gerhard Rauche's autobiography. |
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"We do not acquire humility. There is
humility in us -
only we humiliate ourselves before false gods."
Simone Weil, French philosopher
(1909-1943).
Below a photo of the 1995 visit to UFH by Prof Godwin Sogolo (author of African Philosophy) from Ibadan University in Nigeria, at a colleagial get-together in Hogsback, together with Prof Igodan (then Dean of Agriculture), Prof Louw (Philosophy) and Prof Fatoki (Chemistry)
As this website is continually being deconstructed,
we kindly ask that you
exercise patience !
NB: this website is non-conformist re. style and content. This is to be expected of the liberal arts. The philosopher's primary allegiance remains to the discipline of philosophy. Therefore this site is posted as a creative contribution to the contextual historical setting of the UFH. The latter is a proud former recipient of the national Order of Boabab and fully subscribes to the constitutional principle of academic freedom.
Philosophy~~
ISebe leFilosofi
~~Wysbegeerte
Design & © : Incitatus
~ Centre for Dialogue Practice
tlouw@ufh.ac.za
or vryspraak@gmail.com
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Tobie Louw was elected as
national chairman of the PSSA for the term 2008-2010. Abraham Olivier is an
ex-Secretary of the PSSA.
