Browsing by Author "Engelbrecht, Schalk Willem Petrus"

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    Utopie, filosofie en hermeneutiek : 'n verkenning van die denke van Gianni Vattimo
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Engelbrecht, Schalk Willem Petrus; Van der Merwe, W. L.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Utopia, Philosophy and Hermeneutics Exploring the thought of Gianni Vattimo Article I: The End of Utopia An explanation for the rise of distopia in popular culture with reference to the ideas of Gianni Vattimo In this article the development of utopianism is described by tracing it back to its original classical form, following it through its modernistic form and finally describing distopia as the postmodern form of utopia. Using the ideas of Gianni Vattimo, distopia is interpreted as the creative embodiment of the "counterfinality of reason". In this way distopia acts as a critique of modem rationalism. The question is raised if it is possible to speak of "the end of utopia" in postmodern times. It is concluded that utopian thought remains and functions as a necessary fiction in postmodern ethics. Article II: An Appropriate Postmodern Philosophy A discussion of the hermeneutics of Gianni Vattimo The aim of this article is to discuss the radical hermeneutics proposed by the Italian philosopher Gianni Vattimo. Vattimo declares a radicalization of hermeneutics to be the only consistent, persuasive and valid approach to the postmodern conditions of existence we find ourselves in today. In order to explain what this approach entails, and how Vattimo justifies it, this article discusses his interpretation of the history (and end) of modernity, as well as his proposals for a new task for philosophy, and for a postmodern ethics.
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    Why the world is still unequal : on the apparatuses of justification and interpassivity
    (SUNMeDIA, 2014-11) Engelbrecht, Schalk Willem Petrus
    Inequality offends our moral sensibilities, yet there is no urgency to address it. This article explains the lack of an adequate response to inequality by outlining two apparatuses conspiring to perpetuate inequality – rational justification and interpassivity. The current state of inequality is bolstered by a variety of philosophical and economic rationalisations. However, even when these justifications fail, a system that maintains inequality survives through an ideological mechanism that allows collective delusions to be sustained without owners. Put differently, because others believe on our behalf, we can act in accordance with failed assumptions. To address inequality requires addressing these apparatuses.