Issue 2, 2010 Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap - Volume 75,
Volume 81 (2016) Volume 80 (2015) Volume 79 (2014) Volume 78 (2013) Volume 77 (2012) Volume 76 (2011) Volume 75 (2010) Volume 74 ([2009, 2010]) Volume 74 ([2009, 2010]) Volume 73 (2008) Volume 72 (2007) Volume 71 (2006) Volume 70 (2005) Volume 69 (2004) Volume 68 (2003) Volume 67 (2002) Volume 66 (2001) Volume 75,
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp XV –XVI (2010)
The articles in this edition cover a wide range of topics. As always, emphasis is placed on an integrated lifeview foundation that offers new insights into relevant philosophical, moral and ethical issues in the variety of disciplines.
In hierdie uitgawe dek die artikels &apos;n wye spektrum onderwerpe. Soos altyd, val die klem telkens op &apos;n geïntegreerde lewensbeskoulike begronding wat nuwe insigte oor verskeie relevante (vak)filosofiese, morele en etiese kwessies bied.
Besit waardes rigtinggewend-normatiewe waarde? &apos;n Beoordeling van die Noordwes-Universiteit se waardeprojek
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 293 –323 (2010)
Soos die titel aandui, wil hierdie artikel die waarde (indien enige) van waardes ondersoek, veral soos uitgedruk in &apos;n waardegedrewe instelling. Om nie abstrak te wees nie, fokus die artikel op &apos;n spesifieke instelling, naamlik &apos;n universiteit (vgl. die subtitel). Om die ondersoek meer konkreet te maak, word die Noordwes-Universiteit (wat in 2004 tot stand gekom het) as &apos;n gevallestudie gebruik. Die ondersoek verloop soos volg: ter inleiding word eers op die hedendaagse populariteit van waardedenke gewys, gevolg deur die probleemstelling of waardes werklik daartoe in staat is om normatiewe rigting aan te dui. Tweedens word die oorskakeling van &apos;n universiteit met &apos;n beginselgrondslag (die eertydse Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys) na &apos;n waardegedrewe universiteit (die nuwe Noordwes-Universiteit) geskets. In die derde plek word die nuwe waardegedrewe NWU van nader bekyk. Vierdens volg &apos;n besinning oor veral die praktiese probleme rondom die implementering van hierdie waardeprojek. Vyfdens word ses filosofies-teoretiese probleme in verband met die waardestelsel na vore gebring. Die volgende hoofafdeling bestaan uit &apos;n kort beskrywing vanuit &apos;n reformatoriese perspektief (van struktuur, rigting en relevansie), van wat &apos;n akademiese instelling behoort in te hou. Daarna volg &apos;n voorlopige gevolgtrekking waarin twyfel uitgespreek word oor die werklike waarde van waardes om &apos;n vaste basis en duidelike rigting aan &apos;n universiteit of ander samelewingsverband te kan gee. Dit is egter &apos;n voorlopige gevolgtrekking, aangesien dit aan die einde van die ondersoek ook duidelik is dat verdere filosofiese besinning oor die aard, status en gesag van waardes noodsaaklik is.
Do values contain directional-normative value? A review of the value project of the North-West University
As indicated in the title, the aim of this article is to determine the value (if any) of values, especially as expressed by a value-driven institution. To avoid abstract reflection, the article (cf. the subtitle) focuses on a specific institution, viz. a university. To concretesise the investigation even more, the North-West University (which came into existence in 2004) is taken as a case study. The investigation develops as follows: by way of introduction, attention is first given to the popularity of present value thinking, followed by the problem statement: Are such values really capable of indicating a normative direction? Secondly, the development of a university with a normative foundation (the erstwhile Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education) towards a value-driven one (the new North-West University) is briefly described. In the third place a brief description of the NWU as a value-driven institution is given. Fourthly, attention is given to some practical problems which surfaced during the implementation of the value project. Fifthly, six theoretical-philosophical problems regarding the NWU&apos;s value system are discussed. The next main point consists of a brief description from a reformational perspective (of structure, direction and relevance) of what an academic institution ought to be. Apart from expressing doubt about the real value of values to give a solid foundation and clear direction to a university, the preliminary conclusion also suggests further philosophical reflection on the real nature, status and authority of values.
Institutional identity : a possible solution to the religion in/and education quandary
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 325 –240 (2010)
Institusionele identiteit: &apos;n moontlike oplossing vir die godsdiens in/en onderwys-dilemma
Wêreldwyd het onderwysbeleidmakers te doen met die vraagstuk van godsdiens in/en die onderwys - selfs in die mees homogene samelewings. Verskeie strategieë is al in die verlede bedink om die probleem die hoof te bied, maar hulle skiet almal te kort in terme daarvan om &apos;n ewewig op die universeel-partikulier- kontinuum te vind. Daar is egter nog &apos;n manier om die gewenste balans op die kontinuum te vind, naamlik deur met die gedagte van die institusionele identiteit van elke skool te werk, en om op grond daarvan elke skoolgemeenskap die vryheid te gun om die soort godsdiensonderwys te kies wat die beste sal voldoen aan sy eie besondere behoeftes en omstandighede.
&apos;n Verwaarloosde faset van D.F. Malherbe se nalatenskap : Kuns - selfstandig en afhanklik
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 341 –361 (2010)
Gedurende sy studie in Freiburg, Duitsland, moes Malherbe ook filosofie studeer. Sedert die laat sewentigerjare organiseer die Universiteit van die Vrystaat jaarliks &apos;n D.F. Malherbegedenklesing oor een of ander aspek van die nalatenskap van Malherbe - meestal gefokus op sy literêre werk, maar soms ook oor sy kompetensie as taalkundige. Aanvanklik het hy, in sy siening van kuns en die estetiese, die opvatting verdedig dat die kunstenaar "vry" is in die sin van nie-gebonde-wees aan estetiese norme en beginsels nie. Nogtans het gesprekke met sy skoonseun, Herman Strauss, ná sy aftrede hom in kontak gebring met die nuwe reformatoriese wysbegeerte aan die Vrye Universiteit van Amsterdam (Dooyeweerd en Vollenhoven). Dit het tot &apos;n radikale paradigmaskuif in sy teoretiese verstaan van die werklikheid en van kuns en die estetiese aanleiding gegee. In hierdie artikel word sy siening van die (on)afhanklikheid van kuns en die estetiese na vore gebring teen die agtergrond van beskouings waarin die sin van die estetiese versteur word, deur dit diensbaar te maak aan iets wat nie-esteties is en van &apos;n siening wat die estetiese tot &apos;n selfgenoegsame vesting verhef waar die "siel" rus en geluksaligheid kan beleef. Malherbe ontwikkel &apos;n analise van basiese estetiese beginsels soos dit gereflekteer word in die samehang tussen die estetiese en nie-estetiese aspekte van die werklikheid. Die breër konteks van sy denke is ingebed in die ideaal van Christelike wetenskap in alle dissiplines.
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 363 –385 (2010)
Diepgaande refleksie is nodig om te bepaal waar ons vandag met ons voorgestelde beeld van die mens staan. Die beeld wat ons handhaaf, is van die uiterste belang. Dit bepaal tussenmenslike verhoudings en ook menslike handeling. Die tradisionele opvatting van die menslike subjek as absoluut, selfversekerd en outonoom is gedurende die afgelope dekades deeglik bevraagteken en kan as uitgedien beskou word. Hierdie herdinkproses het &apos;n lang geskiedenis en &apos;n verskeidenheid insigte is deur baie invloedryke denkers ontwikkel. Informatiseringsprosesse speel &apos;n betekenisvolle rol in die ontwikkeling van hierdie verskillende perspektiewe.
Drie ontwikkelings blyk voorrang te geniet. Die eerste is die ontwikkeling van die nosie van die sogenaamde "gedesentreerde subjek". Die tweede ontwikkeling plaas meer klem op die meganiese - die meganisering van die gees, waarin afstand gedoen word van die menslike gees. Hierdie perspektief is die voorloper van die derde ontwikkeling wat &apos;n verdere degenerasie van die menslike subjektiwiteit behels. Die liggaamlose bewussyn kan nou op rekenaars afgelaai word. Die posthumane figuur verskyn. Probleme van feilbaarheid, sterflikheid en veroudering gaan verdwyn. Hoewel so &apos;n apokaliptiese uitgangspunt besonder belowend klink, laat dit heelwat belangrike vrae onbeantwoord.
Aan die ander kant kan hierdie herdinkproses sekere ryk en nuwe artikulasies na vore bring oor wat dit beteken om mens te wees. Dit kan ook van groot betekenis wees vir individualiteit en sosialiteit in die lig van die krisisse wat wêreldwyd dreig om hedendaagse samelewings op &apos;n fatale wyse te laat ontspoor. Dit is egter ook nie heeltemal onverwant aan die ander drie ontwikkelings nie en kry selfs inspirasie daaruit.
Three developments seem prominent. The first is the development of the notion of the so-called "decentred subject". The second development puts more emphasis on the mechanical - more specifically the mechanisation of the mind, with the consequent renunciation of human spirituality. This perspective is a predecessor of the third development which entails a further degeneration of human subjectivity. Non-corporeal consciousness can now be downloaded onto computers. The figure of the posthuman emerges. Problems of fallibility, mortality and ageing will disappear. Although such an apocalyptic viewpoint may indeed sound tempting, it leaves many crucial questions unanswered.
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 387 –403 (2010)
This article is based on research done within the Afrikaans-speaking community in the area of the Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape province, South Africa. The focus falls specifically on one concept that was outlined during the research, namely the perceptions of fathers and adolescent sons on identity formation within their relationship as well as the role that God plays. Combined qualitative/quantitative research was conducted with emphasis on semi-structured interviews with fathers (n=4) and adolescent boys (n=4) and an auto-ethnography of the author as the dominant component. The less dominant quantitative component consisted of questionnaires completed by fathers (n=42) and adolescent boys (n=180). Metatheoretical assumptions and theoretical assumptions as grounding for the male identity are discussed as part of the author&apos;s paradigmatic perspective. Furthermore, empirical findings are discussed and recommendations are made. From the discussions with fathers and their sons it was clear that both fathers and sons have a need to stand in close relationship to each other and to God. It is within this relationship where their identities are formed. However, fathers seemed to be resistant of transferring their beliefs to their sons. Adolescent boys also indicated no need to one day transfer learned behaviour from their fathers to their sons.
A consumer perspective on food labelling : ethical or not?
M. Van Der Merwe and
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 405 –428 (2010)
This article provides a review of ethical food labelling from a consumer perspective and makes recommendations to the food industry and regulators regarding ethical food labelling in order to satisfy consumers&apos; food-labelling needs. Various studies have found that many consumers have negative perceptions regarding food labelling. However, research on consumers&apos; perspectives regarding ethical food labelling has been accorded little attention. This article addresses this topic through a review of the relevant literature of mostly quantitative research, but also includes qualitative and mixed method studies. The article examines such aspects as the trustworthiness of claims on food labels, intelligibility of label information, listing of food additives on labels, and labelling of genetically modified foods. As negative perspectives on food labelling are likely to affect consumers&apos; decision making regarding the purchasing of food products, the food industry must realise their responsibility to provide ethical food labels. The food industry and regulators should aim to provide risk communication and intelligible information through ethical food labels and consumer education programmes on food labelling. Consumers need to be aware of their right to know what they are purchasing through ethical food labels and take a stand in this regard.
&apos;n Verbruikersperspektief op voedseletikettering: eties of nie?
Hierdie artikel bied &apos;n oorsig oor etiese voedseletikettering vanuit &apos;n verbruikersperspektief en maak aanbevelings aan die voedselindustrie en -reguleerders rakende etiese voedseletikettering om verbruikers se voedseletiketteringsbehoeftes te bevredig. Verskeie studies het bevind dat verbruikers meestal negatiewe persepsies ten opsigte van voedseletikettering het. Min aandag word egter geskenk aan navorsing aangaande verbruikers se perspektiewe oor etiese voedseletikettering. Hierdie onderwerp word in dié artikel aangesny deur middel van &apos;n oorsig van die betrokke literatuur van meestal kwantitatiewe navorsing, maar ook van kwalitatiewe en gemengde-metode studies. Aspekte soos die betroubaarheid van aansprake op voedseletikette, verstaanbaarheid van voedseletiketinligting, &apos;n lys van voedseladditiewe op etikette, en etikettering van geneties- gemodifiseerde voedsel word ondersoek. Aangesien negatiewe persepsies van voedseletikettering moontlik ook &apos;n impak op verbruikers se besluitneming ten opsigte van die aankoop van voedselprodukte mag hê, sal die voedselreguleerders en die voedselindustrie hulle verantwoordelikheid moet besef om etiese voedseletikette te voorsien. Die voedselindustrie en -reguleerders moet daarna streef om risikokommunikasie en verstaanbare inligting deur etiese voedseletikette asook verbruikersopleidingsprogramme oor voedseletikettering te voorsien. Verbruikers moet bewus wees van hulle reg om te weet wat hulle koop deur etiese voedseletikette en behoort standpunt in hierdie verband te kan inneem.
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 429 –451 (2010)
The development of inexperienced researchers is crucial. In response to the lack of research self-efficacy of many previously disadvantaged individuals, the article examines how mentoring can enhance the research self-efficacy of mentees. The study is grounded in the self-efficacy theory (SET) - an aspect of the social cognitive theory (SCT). Insights were gained from an in-depth study of SCT, SET and mentoring, and from a completed mentoring project. This led to the formulation of three basic principles. Firstly, institutions need to provide supportive environmental conditions that facilitate research self-efficacy. This implies a supportive and efficient collective system. The possible effects of performance ratings and reward systems at the institution also need to be considered. Secondly, mentoring needs to create opportunities for young researchers to experience successful learning as a result of appropriate action. To this end, mentees need to be involved in actual research projects in small groups. At the same time the mentor needs to facilitate skills development by coaching and encouragement. Thirdly, mentors need to encourage mentees to believe in their ability to successfully complete research projects. This implies encouraging positive emotional states, stimulating self-reflection and self-comparison with others in the group, giving positive evaluative feedback and being an intentional role model.
Die mentor van navorsers om selfdoeltreffendheid te ontwikkel, met besondere verwysing na voorheenbenadeelde individue
Dit is noodsaaklik om onervare navorsers te help ontwikkel om produktief te wees. Baie voorheen-benadeelde individue toon &apos;n gebrek aan selfdoeltreffendheid ten opsigte van navorsing. Hierdie artikel ondersoek hoe hulle gementor kan word om hulle navorsingselfdoeltreffendheid te verhoog. Die studie word begrond deur die teorie van selfdoeltreffendheid - &apos;n aspek van die sosiaal-kognitiewe teorie. Insigte wat uit &apos;n diepgaande studie van sosiaal-kognitiewe teorie verkry is, uit die selfdoeltreffendheidsteorie en mentorskap, asook uit &apos;n voltooide mentorprojek, het gelei tot die formulering van drie basiese beginsels. Eerstens behoort instellings &apos;n ondersteunende omgewing te skep wat selfdoeltreffendheid in navorsing bevorder. Dit impliseer &apos;n ondersteunende en effektiewe kollektiewe stelsel. Die moontlike effek van prestasie-evaluering- en beloningstelsels moet ook in ag geneem word. Tweedens behoort mentorprojekte geleenthede te skep vir jong navorsers om op grond van geskikte aksies suksesvol te leer. Protégés moet dus in werklike navorsingsprojekte in klein groepies betrek word. Terselfdertyd moet die mentor vaardigheidsontwikkeling fasiliteer deur afrigting ("coaching") en aanmoediging. Mentors moet protégés derdens ondersteun om te glo in hulle eie vermoëns dat hulle suksesvol navorsing kan doen. Dit impliseer die fasilitering van positiewe emosionele toestande, die stimulering van selfrefleksie en &apos;n vergelyking met ander in die groep, positiewe evaluerende terugvoer en om &apos;n intensionele rolmodel te wees.
Sustainability science : a new challenge to the Southern African scientific community - or is it?
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 455 –457 (2010)
Science is essentially about asking and answering questions. In short, these questions revolve around what is happening, why it is happening and how we should respond. We are living in a profoundly different era than any other in human history, which poses new questions and challenges to the research community. The level of complexity has increased dramatically to the extent that some questions are considered trans-scientific in that traditional science is unable to provide answers.
Indeed a composer in Africa
A composer in Africa : essays on the life and work of Stefans Grové, Stephanus Muller & Chris Walton : review
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 457 –459 (2010)
This book on Stefans Grové is a fascinating mix of personal accounts by those who have known one of South Africa&apos;s foremost composers, and critical commentary on his oeuvre. Grové&apos;s oeuvre includes musical as well as literary texts, but the focus of the collection falls on the musical oeuvre and justifiably so, since Grové has been and remains a composer who is also a writer.
A cool approach to a warm subject
The church and climate change, Ernst M. Conradie : review
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 459 –461 (2010)
This booklet was published by Cluster Publications as the first book in their proposed series "Signs of the Times". The reader is, therefore, immediately compelled to read the text from a specific paradigm. The book is organised around seven chapters. The chapters deal with climate change in the news: what is the church doing about climate change; what response is required to curb climate change; the church and consumerism; theological resources for responding to climate change; confessing guilt in the context of climate change; and discerning God&apos;s Word for our time.
The epistemology of statistical science, Mauritz Van Aarde : review
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 461 –463 (2010)
This book is intended to be a contribution to the debate on the philosophical foundations of Statistics, a debate which has continued for more than a century and with many conflicting views. It has been said that the subject of Statistics suffers such strong divisions concerning its foundations because it is so close to the philosophy of knowledge. Indeed, Statistics is concerned with the very difficult and age old problem of obtaining valid knowledge from numerical data.
Martelaarsliteratuur uit die vroeë Christendom
Historia persecutionis : the martyr accounts of Victor of Vita, Nico P. Swartz : resensie
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 463 –464 (2010)
Die eerste aantal eeue van die geskiedenis van die Christelike Kerk is gekenmerk deur vervolging - eers deur die Jode, later deur die Romeinse owerheid en uiteindelik ook deur die Germane. Victor van Vita skryf in die vyfde eeu sy Historia persecutionis oor die vervolging wat die Christene in Noord-Afrika moes verduur aan die hand van die Vandale tussen die jare 429 en 484. Hierdie boek is onder andere &apos;n belangrike bron vir die geskiedenis van die Vandale en vir insig in kontemporêre historiografie.
Postmillennial gendered discourses in South African musicology
Gender and sexuality in South African music, Chris Walton & Stephanus Muller (Eds.) : review
Koers : Bulletin for Christian Scholarship = Koers : Bulletin vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, pp 465 –467 (2010)
Gendered discourses in musicology constitute a highly current hence topical research issue. This publication, while it breathes a breath of fresh air into the (oftentimes) conservative world of musicology, should not be seen as the final word on this issue. I have no doubt that many more discourses will follow either as a result of this one and/or discussions with other points of departure. I am in full agreement with the editors when they state in the introduction that over "the past two decades, the study of sexuality and gender in music has become a decidedly mainstream activity".