LJU4801
ASSIGNMENT 3
SEMESTER 2
PORTFOLIO 2026
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: 19TH OCTOBER 2026
, LEGAL PHILOSOPHY - LJU4801
ASSSIGMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2026 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
PORTFOLIO TAKE HOME EXAM
QUESTION 1
1.1 Philosophy can fundamentally be seen as a rational enquiry into fundamental
questions. Identify the two basic questions that have historically been at the
centre of enquiry and indicate how these questions must be answered. (5)
The two fundamental questions that have historically been at the centre of philosophical
enquiry are:
1. The ontological question – “What is?”
This question concerns the nature of reality and existence. It asks what exists,
what the nature of reality is, and what it means for something to exist.
Philosophers therefore investigate concepts such as being, existence, reality and
the nature of human beings.
2. The epistemological question – “How do we know?”
This question concerns knowledge. It asks how human beings acquire
knowledge, what qualifies as reliable knowledge, and whether there are limits to
what humans can know. It therefore deals with the relationship between
knowledge, truth, reason and experience.
These questions must be approached rationally and critically. Philosophical answers
should not simply be accepted because of tradition, authority or personal belief. They
must be supported by reasons and arguments that can withstand critical examination.
Philosophy therefore requires logical reasoning, conceptual clarification and critical
reflection.
ASSIGNMENT 3
SEMESTER 2
PORTFOLIO 2026
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: 19TH OCTOBER 2026
, LEGAL PHILOSOPHY - LJU4801
ASSSIGMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2026 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
PORTFOLIO TAKE HOME EXAM
QUESTION 1
1.1 Philosophy can fundamentally be seen as a rational enquiry into fundamental
questions. Identify the two basic questions that have historically been at the
centre of enquiry and indicate how these questions must be answered. (5)
The two fundamental questions that have historically been at the centre of philosophical
enquiry are:
1. The ontological question – “What is?”
This question concerns the nature of reality and existence. It asks what exists,
what the nature of reality is, and what it means for something to exist.
Philosophers therefore investigate concepts such as being, existence, reality and
the nature of human beings.
2. The epistemological question – “How do we know?”
This question concerns knowledge. It asks how human beings acquire
knowledge, what qualifies as reliable knowledge, and whether there are limits to
what humans can know. It therefore deals with the relationship between
knowledge, truth, reason and experience.
These questions must be approached rationally and critically. Philosophical answers
should not simply be accepted because of tradition, authority or personal belief. They
must be supported by reasons and arguments that can withstand critical examination.
Philosophy therefore requires logical reasoning, conceptual clarification and critical
reflection.
