PLS1501
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
QUESTION 1
Philosophy, in my view, is the broad human practice of asking and answering deep
questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, politics and what it means to be human. It
develops concepts and arguments that help societies make sense of life, power and justice.
Western philosophy is one historical and cultural tradition within philosophy. It grew mainly
from European intellectual histories and, in South Africa, it arrived through conquest,
missionary schooling, colonial universities and later apartheid shaped institutions (Day 2008;
Phillips 2003). Because it often presents itself as neutral and universal, it can hide its own
cultural starting points and political interests (Mills 1998; Mazrui 1978).
Study Unit 1 shows that Western philosophy in South Africa did not arrive as a neutral body
of ideas. It travelled with conquest, settler schooling and the building of universities that
copied the “metropole” in curriculum and procedures, while remaining largely ignorant of
African realities (Phillips 2003: 123–126).
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Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
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these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
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assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
QUESTION 1
Philosophy, in my view, is the broad human practice of asking and answering deep
questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, politics and what it means to be human. It
develops concepts and arguments that help societies make sense of life, power and justice.
Western philosophy is one historical and cultural tradition within philosophy. It grew mainly
from European intellectual histories and, in South Africa, it arrived through conquest,
missionary schooling, colonial universities and later apartheid shaped institutions (Day 2008;
Phillips 2003). Because it often presents itself as neutral and universal, it can hide its own
cultural starting points and political interests (Mills 1998; Mazrui 1978).
Study Unit 1 shows that Western philosophy in South Africa did not arrive as a neutral body
of ideas. It travelled with conquest, settler schooling and the building of universities that
copied the “metropole” in curriculum and procedures, while remaining largely ignorant of
African realities (Phillips 2003: 123–126).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
