HED4804 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2024 - DUE 15 May 2024
100% TRUSTED workings,
explanations and
solutions
, Develop a glossary of any 5 key terms in philosophy of education in which you critically engage with and
give an in-depth analysis of these terms. Your glossary compilation will have to also engage in a
thoughtful exploration of the nuanced meanings and implications associated with each term you have
identified, and it also must relate the relevance of the concepts/key ideas to education in (South) Africa.
Structure/Guidelines: • Select at least five terms for analysis. For each term, explore its historical
context, philosophical origins, and primary proponents. Choose from the following list of words:
decolonialisation pluriversity hermeneutics emancipation epistemologies social justice neoliberalism
hegemony knowledge identities Ubuntu equality Africanisation Modernity epistemic violence ontology
Certainly, let's delve into a glossary of key terms in the philosophy of education with a focus on their
relevance to education in (South) Africa:
1. Decolonization:
• Historical Context: Decolonization in the context of education refers to the process of undoing the
legacy of colonialism in knowledge production, curriculum, and educational systems. In South Africa,
decolonization is particularly salient due to the country's history of apartheid and colonialism.
• Philosophical Origins: The concept of decolonization draws from postcolonial theory, critical theory,
and indigenous knowledge systems. Scholars like Frantz Fanon, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, and Paulo Freire
have contributed to its development.
• Primary Proponents: In South Africa, scholars such as Steve Biko, Mamphela Ramphele, and Achille
Mbembe have advocated for decolonizing education.
• Analysis: Decolonization challenges the Eurocentric bias in education, advocating for the inclusion of
diverse perspectives and knowledge systems, particularly indigenous African knowledge. It aims to
empower learners by recognizing their cultural identities and histories, thereby fostering a more
inclusive and equitable educational environment.
2. Social Justice:
• Historical Context: Social justice in education entails ensuring equitable access to educational
opportunities, resources, and outcomes for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic background,
race, or other identities. In South Africa, issues of social justice are closely tied to the legacy of apartheid
and ongoing economic inequalities.
• Philosophical Origins: The concept of social justice is rooted in theories of distributive justice,
equality, and human rights. Philosophers like John Rawls, Amartya Sen, and bell hooks have contributed
to its development.
• Primary Proponents: In South Africa, activists like Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Allan Boesak
have been prominent advocates for social justice in education.
