PSE4801
Assignment 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, 1. African Philosophy and Education
1.1 Define African philosophy.
African philosophy refers to a body of thought rooted in African cultural contexts,
experiences, and traditions. It is not a monolithic or essentialist system, but rather
a framework that gives voice to the continent‟s diverse histories, identities, and
values. African philosophy seeks to interpret reality through an African lens,
incorporating principles such as communalism, dignity, justice, and
interconnectedness. It does not exclude other philosophical traditions but
engages with them critically. As noted in the reading, African philosophy of
education emphasises the importance of democratic justice, mutual respect, and
dialogue across differences. It addresses issues such as alienation, oppression,
and inequality through an inclusive and ethical perspective, rooted in African
identities and political histories. Importantly, African philosophy values lived
experience as foundational, shaping how education is theorised and practiced
across the continent.
1.2 Explain why Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted the view of “mutual
attunement”.
Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopt the idea of “mutual attunement” to emphasise the
reciprocal relationship between theory and practice in education. In this view,
neither theory nor practice stands above the other. Educational theory is not
abstract or detached from reality; it emerges from human experiences and is
shaped by the challenges faced in daily life, particularly in African contexts.
Likewise, educational practices are not random—they reflect deeper philosophical
and moral commitments. By adopting this approach, Waghid and Higgs argue for
an education system that is democratic, just, and responsive to the lived
experiences of all South Africans. This mutual attunement allows theory to inform
practice meaningfully, and practice to reshape theory where necessary. For
example, educational injustices inherited from apartheid can only be addressed if
theory listens to real problems and proposes ways to engage all humans equally.
Their idea of attunement is political and ethical—it seeks to humanise education
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: May 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, 1. African Philosophy and Education
1.1 Define African philosophy.
African philosophy refers to a body of thought rooted in African cultural contexts,
experiences, and traditions. It is not a monolithic or essentialist system, but rather
a framework that gives voice to the continent‟s diverse histories, identities, and
values. African philosophy seeks to interpret reality through an African lens,
incorporating principles such as communalism, dignity, justice, and
interconnectedness. It does not exclude other philosophical traditions but
engages with them critically. As noted in the reading, African philosophy of
education emphasises the importance of democratic justice, mutual respect, and
dialogue across differences. It addresses issues such as alienation, oppression,
and inequality through an inclusive and ethical perspective, rooted in African
identities and political histories. Importantly, African philosophy values lived
experience as foundational, shaping how education is theorised and practiced
across the continent.
1.2 Explain why Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted the view of “mutual
attunement”.
Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopt the idea of “mutual attunement” to emphasise the
reciprocal relationship between theory and practice in education. In this view,
neither theory nor practice stands above the other. Educational theory is not
abstract or detached from reality; it emerges from human experiences and is
shaped by the challenges faced in daily life, particularly in African contexts.
Likewise, educational practices are not random—they reflect deeper philosophical
and moral commitments. By adopting this approach, Waghid and Higgs argue for
an education system that is democratic, just, and responsive to the lived
experiences of all South Africans. This mutual attunement allows theory to inform
practice meaningfully, and practice to reshape theory where necessary. For
example, educational injustices inherited from apartheid can only be addressed if
theory listens to real problems and proposes ways to engage all humans equally.
Their idea of attunement is political and ethical—it seeks to humanise education
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
