Question 1
The concept of "law" refers to a system of rules and regulations established by a
governing authority to regulate behaviour within a society. It differs from other social
rules or norms in that it is formally enacted, enforced, and adjudicated by institutions
such as the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches of government. Unlike
other social norms, laws carry the weight of legal sanctions and are generally
codified in written form.
Question 2
2.1
The "state" is a non-physical entity representing a political organization with the
authority to govern a specific territory. It is an abstract notion or phenomenon
created by citizens through a social contract, wherein individuals agree to transfer
some of their rights to the state in exchange for protection and the maintenance of
order. The agreement by citizens is deemed because it is often assumed to have
occurred historically, and individuals are born into a pre-existing state structure.
2.2
The South African law, including the Constitution, is said to serve the interests of the
dominant class in society. This means that the legal system, including the
Constitution, tends to reflect and uphold the values, norms, and interests of the
economically and politically dominant group within South African society.
Question 3
3.1
The "Lephepane Village" story illustrates the notion of "praxis," which refers to the
integration of theory and practice in the pursuit of social change. In this context,
praxis involves the application of theoretical knowledge about social justice and
human rights to address the real-life challenges faced by the community in
Lephepane Village.
3.2
Kgalema Motlanthe's remarks in the Study Guide prompt readers to engage in
activity 2.2, which likely involves analysing and reflecting on Motlanthe's statements
to deepen understanding of the subject matter.
Question 4: Critique of Argumentum ad Hominem
The notion of argumentum ad hominem refers to a logical fallacy where an
argument is rebutted by attacking the character, motives, or other personal attributes
of the person making the argument. Let’s delve into this concept by examining Text
A and Text B from your study guide.
1. Text A:
o Begin by discussing how Text A defines and illustrates argumentum ad hominem.
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the examples provided in demonstrating this fallacy.
o Consider whether the attack on the person’s character truly undermines the
argument being made.
The concept of "law" refers to a system of rules and regulations established by a
governing authority to regulate behaviour within a society. It differs from other social
rules or norms in that it is formally enacted, enforced, and adjudicated by institutions
such as the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches of government. Unlike
other social norms, laws carry the weight of legal sanctions and are generally
codified in written form.
Question 2
2.1
The "state" is a non-physical entity representing a political organization with the
authority to govern a specific territory. It is an abstract notion or phenomenon
created by citizens through a social contract, wherein individuals agree to transfer
some of their rights to the state in exchange for protection and the maintenance of
order. The agreement by citizens is deemed because it is often assumed to have
occurred historically, and individuals are born into a pre-existing state structure.
2.2
The South African law, including the Constitution, is said to serve the interests of the
dominant class in society. This means that the legal system, including the
Constitution, tends to reflect and uphold the values, norms, and interests of the
economically and politically dominant group within South African society.
Question 3
3.1
The "Lephepane Village" story illustrates the notion of "praxis," which refers to the
integration of theory and practice in the pursuit of social change. In this context,
praxis involves the application of theoretical knowledge about social justice and
human rights to address the real-life challenges faced by the community in
Lephepane Village.
3.2
Kgalema Motlanthe's remarks in the Study Guide prompt readers to engage in
activity 2.2, which likely involves analysing and reflecting on Motlanthe's statements
to deepen understanding of the subject matter.
Question 4: Critique of Argumentum ad Hominem
The notion of argumentum ad hominem refers to a logical fallacy where an
argument is rebutted by attacking the character, motives, or other personal attributes
of the person making the argument. Let’s delve into this concept by examining Text
A and Text B from your study guide.
1. Text A:
o Begin by discussing how Text A defines and illustrates argumentum ad hominem.
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the examples provided in demonstrating this fallacy.
o Consider whether the attack on the person’s character truly undermines the
argument being made.
