Identity and dignity within the human rights discourse: An anthropological and praxis approach

<span>The theological discourse mostly focuses on the moral and ethical framework for human rights and human dignity. In order to give theological justification to the value and dignity of human beings, most theologians point to the </span><em>imago Dei</em><span> as theological starting point for the design of an anthropology on human dignity. Within the paradigmatic framework of democracy, human dignity and human rights have become interchangeable concepts. This article aimed to focus not on ethics but on aesthetics: man as </span><em>homo aestheticus</em><span>, as well as the praxis question regarding the quality of human dignity within the network of human relationships. It was argued that human dignity is more fundamental than human rights. Dignity as an anthropological construct should not reside in the first place in the </span><em>imago Dei</em><span> and its relationship to Christology and incarnation theology. Human dignity, human rights and human identity are embedded in the basic human quest for meaning (teleology). As such, human dignity should, in a practical theological approach to anthropology, be dealt with from the aesthetic perspective of charisma, thus the option for inhabitational theology. As an anthropological category, human dignity should be viewed from the perspective of pneumatology within the networking framework of a �spiritual humanism�. In this regard, the theology of the Dutch theologian A.A. van Ruler, and especially his seminal 1968 work </span><em>Ik geloof</em><span>, should be revisited by a pneumatic anthropology within the parameters of practical theology.</span

The biological basis of ageing: a brief guide

Improved understanding of genetics and the protective mechanisms that have evolved at the cellular level now makes it possible to present a unified hypothesis of the biology of ageing. Previously, two opposing theories of ageing - "genetic-programming" theory and "wear-and-tear" theory - led to apparently divergent research thrusts. The recognition that both theories are aspects of the same phenomenon different levels of cell function - allows a deeper understanding of the contribution that each school has made to present notions of the biology of ageing

Ekhaya: Human displacement and the yearning for familial homecoming. From Throne (Cathedra) to Home (Oikos) in a grassroots ecclesiology of place and space: Fides Quaerens Domum et Locum [Faith Seeking Home and Space]

The classical definition of theology is ‘faith-seeking understanding’ (fides quaerens intellectum). The focus is on the understanding/interpretation of the object of Christian faith: God. There is another root for the quest for understanding, namely the praxis situation of faith. People live in particular historical contexts that have their own distinctive problems and possibilities; thus, the focus on place and space in a theology of home. A praxis approach is to learn life and the gospel from below, thus the emphasis on a grassroots ecclesiology that is structured like an oikos, a familial dwelling place. This understanding of the dynamics of the fellowship of believers as oikodomein is captured by the Zulu notion for the yearning for home (home sickness): Ekhaya. It is argued that Ekhaya thinking is an alternative route for an operative ecclesiology that caters for the need of marginalised, oppressed, displaced and homeless people. Practical theology is thus described as fides quaerens domum et locum [faith-seeking home and place], namely to inhabit. An Ekhaya approach to practical theological ecclesiology is about critical reflection through the eyes of those who are weak and who don’t count for much by the standards of successful people and institutions

Aesthetics of the Naked Human Body: From Pornography (Sexualised Lust Object) to Iconography (Aesthetics of Human Nobility and Wisdom) in an Anthropology of Physical Beauty

In many religious circles and philosophies of life, the human body is excluded from the realm of spirituality and meaning. Due to a dualistic approach, nudity is viewed as merely a physical and corporeal category. In social media, there is the real danger that the naked human body is exploited for commercial gain. Advertisements often leave the impression that the body, very specifically the genitals, is designed merely for physical desire and corporeal chemistry. They become easily objects for lust, excluded from the beauty of graceful existence and noble courage. It is argued that the naked human body is not designed for pornographic exploitation and promiscuous sensuality but for compassionate intimacy and nurturing care in order to instil a humane dimension in human and sexual encounters. In this regard, antiquity and the Michelangelesque perspective can contribute to a paradigm shift from abusive exploitation to the beauty of vulnerable sensitivity. In order to foster an integrative approach to theory formation in anthropology, the methodology of stereometric thinking is proposed

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Published ThesisThe aim of this study was to explore the development of a framework for the use of Information and Communication Technology in the classroom. It was clear from the study that teachers lack Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability, and should therefore be trained and retrained. While they are expected to produce quality education, they are also expected to receive training which is a time-consuming exercise and often makes teachers want to give up on the implementation of ICT in the classroom. If teachers were to use ICT in the classroom, it would change the passive role of the learners in which they merely receive knowledge to a more active role where they construct their own knowledge. In addition, teachers would have the opportunity to connect with experts, and have access to global resources. Teachers should be motivated to use ICT to improve the quality of their teaching. This, together with proper ICT skills, would ensure the effective use of ICT. To ascertain the effective use of ICT by teachers, research was conducted in ten secondary schools in Bloemfontein. A random sample of 30 secondary school teachers was drawn from ten schools. A mixed methods approach was used to the collect data, i.e. qualitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews). Questionnaires were administered to the participants and were then followed by unstructured interviews. The research participants were selected randomly from the study population in an unbiased manner to produce quantifiable, reliable data. Mix methods designs provide advantages when a researcher is exploring complex research questions. The findings of this study revealed that teachers have a positive attitude towards the use of ICT, and that it enables better teaching standards and educational outcomes. Teachers also have barriers that hinder them from using ICT in the classroom

Life satisfaction in old age and activity theory: should the debate be re-opened?

Since the formulation of the activity theory of ageing by Havighurst and Albrecht in 1953. the theory has been subject to intense scrutiny. Although subsequently challenged by the disengagement theory advanced by Cumming and Henry in 1961, it is now widely held that activity, particularly social activity, contributes to increased life satisfaction in the elderly. A literature review however suggests only limited support for activity theory. Meanwhile, the increased proportion of aged people in the population over the past forty years has made the significance of activity theory for the wellbeing and care of the aged increasingly important. Given the paucity of South African research on activity theory, a pilot study was conducted among 43 white South Africans between the ages of 62 and 89 years, using a modified activity scale as developed by Lee and Markides (1990), and a multidimensional life satisfaction index originally developed by Neugarten, Havighurst and Tobin (1961) and further refined by Adams (1969). The pilot study failed to provide support for activity theory, as described by the original theorists, possibly due to a small sample size. Further research in the South African context is suggested, and attention is drawn to the importance of investigating the type and quality of activity in terms of its perceived effects on life satisfaction

Poetic Seeing in Visual Arts and Theology. Aesthetics as a Spiritual and Loving Gaze within the Human Quest for Meaning.

A human being is essentially homo aestheticus and not in the first place homo faber. In the light of this basic assumption, it is argued that, due to poetic seeing, interconnectedness between art[1], spirituality and the human quest for meaning exists. It is virtually impossible to define art. However, in one way or another, art is connected to imagination, inspiration and creativity. Art probes into the realm of the unseen, thus the value of iconic seeing in visual arts. By means of art, objects are moved into imagination and connected to the ‘idea’ beyond the vision of phenomenological observation. Serious art probes into the dimension of the unseen; it makes the invisible, visible. Art deals inter alia with ‘signals of transcendence’ (Peter Berger)[2] and opens up new avenues for religious thinking and spiritual experiences. Serious art can thus contribute to the healing dimension of spiritual wholeness. Art can even assist theology in the reframing of existing God-images. In this regard, the notions of a Compassionate God and God as Covenantal Partner for Life, become appropriate alternatives for the imperialistic pantokrator-images (omni-categories) of theism.Poëtiese skoue in visuele kunste en teologie. Estetika as ‘n spirituele en liefdevolle kyk binne die raamwerk van die mens se soeke na sinDie mens is wesenlik homo aestheticus en nie in die eerste plek homo faber nie. In die lig van die estetiese funksie van ‘n poëtiese skoue kan ‘n netwerkverband tussen kuns, spiritualiteit en die mens se soeke na sin voorveronderstel word. Dit is basies onmoontlik om kuns finaal te definieer. Tog het kuns op een of ander manier te doen met ‘ver-beeld-ing’, inspirasie en kreatiwiteit. Kuns dring die sfeer van die onsienlike binne en ‘maak’ op ‘n skeppende wyse die onsienlike in objekte en visuele waarneming, sigbaar; dit werk heuristies en kreatief-ontdekkend; dit penetreer die sogenaamde ‘idee’ agter dit wat mens in die fenomenologie van waarneming ‘sien’. Kuns is in ‘n sekere sin ikonies en staan in verband met transendensie. Kuns breek brute werklikheid oop en is ‘n soort van venster vir sinvolle spirituele ervaringe en religieuse denke. Ernstige kuns kan beskou word as ‘n vorm van heling op die vlak van ‘spirituele gesondheid’ (wholeness). Die basiese hipotese is dat die visuele kunste teologie kan help om bestaande, geykte vorme van teologisering, te transformeer. So byvoorbeeld kan die imperialistiese pantokrator-idee van‘n ‘onveranderlike, teïstiese God’ (omni-kategorie) deur middel van religieuse estetika verskuif na die sensitiewe ‘Mee-lydende God’ (patos-kategorie): God nie as kousaliteitsbeginsel nie maar as Lewende Verbondspartner.[1]           There are different levels and dimensions of art. The article focuses on the visual arts, although the principles of aesthetics are applicable to all forms of arts.[2]           Peter Berger (1992:121) in A Far Glory: The Quest for Faith in an Age of Credulity. “In openness to the signals of transcendence the true proportions of our experience are rediscovered. This is the comic relief of redemption; it makes it possible for us to laugh and to play with a new fullness.” Signals of transcendence create spiritual spaces for processes of hoping when life seems to be merely the tragedy of a cul de sac. https://doi.org/10.19108/KOERS.80.1.220

Translating research into policy: The case of orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa

Policies are often developed without taking into account social science research findings and recommendations, despite the plethora of such research studies.This is largely because researchers and policy makers often work in isolation, yet if they worked synergistically they could have a significant impact on implementing interventions known to work to improve the lives of populations. Several approaches have been advanced to encourage policy makers to take heed of scientific findings and to urge scientists to take into account the needs of policy makers in designing their research agenda.This paper aims to illustrate how policy has been informed using the case study of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children project in South Africa. It further highlights the successes and challenges encountered thus far with this project. In some countries, particularly those of the north, there has been major progress in bridging this gap between research and policy; however, in developing countries much remains to be done. Keywords: policies, evidence-based research, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), social science Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Vol. 3 (2) August 2006: 450-45

An evaluation of the Contractor Development Model of Working for Water

The Working for Water programme of the South African Department of Environmental Affairs has as its major objective the eradication of invasive alien plant species. However, it also has a social development component, which aims at the promotion of small business and entrepreneurship development. This paper explores the socio-economic rationale of one component, the Contractor Development Model. It does so via an examination of the programme&#8217;s assumptions, and the development of its impact theory. The study revealed a shortcoming in monitoring data for the programme, and a relative lack of assessment of the effectiveness of its activities. It is suggested that the selection criteria for contractors be re-examined, and that consideration be given to two additional elements that may strengthen the effectiveness of the training: mentoring and networking

Intra-and inter-group perceptions of Chinese and Tanzanian employees in intercultural cooperation

The cooperation between Chinese and Tanzanian employees and organisations has a very long tradition in Tanzanian history. The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand how Chinese and Tanzanian employees see themselves and “the other” while cooperating. This research presents a study of a single case, conducted in a selected Chinese organisation in Tanzania. It uses a hermeneutical research paradigm. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and observation and analysed through content analysis, following Terre Blanche’s model. Findings demonstrate and explain the perspectives which Chinese and Tanzanian employees hold mutually with regard to the group image of self and other within the organisation, as well as perceptions of self and other in terms of organisational, environmental and cultural contexts. Since this is a qualitative single organisational case study, the findings are limited to this single organisation and are not generalisable. Conclusions drawn from the new research insights are provided and recommendations are given in terms of how Chinese and Tanzanian perceptions present themselves and how organisations could work with self-image and counter images to improve intercultural cooperation