Exam (elaborations)
PLS1501 MAY/JUNE EXAM 2023
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
PLS1501 MAY/JUNE EXAM 2023 (ANSWERS)
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NAME:STUDENT NUMBER:
MODULE NAME: INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
MODULE CODE: PLS1501
UNIVERSITY: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
MAY/JUNE EXAMINATION 2023
DATE: 18 MAY 2023
, Section A: Short paragraph questions
a) The colonial structuring of philosophy in South Africa undermined the very idea of
philosophy as the 'love of wisdom' in several ways. Firstly, the colonial project aimed
to establish dominance and control over the indigenous population, which involved
the imposition of European values, beliefs, and systems of knowledge. This
Eurocentric approach to philosophy marginalized and suppressed indigenous
philosophies and ways of knowing.
Secondly, the colonial structuring of philosophy reinforced the idea that European
philosophy was superior and universal, while indigenous philosophies were seen as
primitive or inferior. This perspective devalued the diverse and rich intellectual
traditions of the indigenous people, dismissing them as mere folklore or superstition.
Thirdly, the colonial structuring of philosophy prioritized instrumental knowledge for
the purpose of serving colonial interests, such as justifying and maintaining the
colonial system of exploitation and oppression. Philosophy became subservient to
the colonial agenda, losing its independent and critical role in questioning power
structures and seeking wisdom.
Lastly, the colonial structuring of philosophy limited access to philosophical
education and resources primarily to European settlers and their descendants,
further excluding indigenous voices and perpetuating intellectual inequalities. This
exclusionary approach hindered the development of a truly inclusive and diverse
philosophical discourse that could have contributed to the flourishing of wisdom.
Overall, the colonial structuring of philosophy in South Africa undermined the very
essence of philosophy as the 'love of wisdom' by imposing Eurocentric perspectives,
devaluing indigenous philosophies, serving colonial interests, and perpetuating
intellectual inequalities.
b) The Milesian philosophers, Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, can be called
"metaphysicians" because they were primarily concerned with investigating the
fundamental nature of reality and the underlying principles that govern it. They
sought to understand the nature of existence, the origin of the universe, and the
underlying substance or elements that constitute reality.
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