Philosophy

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Adoption and utilisation of e-government systems by citizens in SADC: the case of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
(2017) Munyoka, Willard.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewa.
Electronic government (e-Government) offers great opportunities for transforming the public service delivery systems by providing an effective, efficient and transparent tool for facilitating the active participation of citizens in government decision making processes and for achieving good governance. However, the success of e-government is not entirely dependent on the provision of excellent e-government systems (supply-driven), but also on other factors like system acceptance and utilisation by citizens. Whilst the United Nations e-Government Surveys have demonstrated the proliferation of e-government initiatives in both developed and developing countries, the implementation, adoption and utilisation of such systems in developing nations is constantly affected by many challenges. Many citizens are hesitant to adopt and use e-government systems for various reasons and in some cases, such decisions are indeed merited. Citizens’ awareness, technical aptitude, confidence and trust in the government and its e-government systems are salient factors that are impacting the acceptance and utilisation of such systems. Similarly, practitioners (decision and policy makers, designers and implementers) of e-government have noted that most of the challenges being encountered by citizens are distinctively pertinent to national and regional socio-economic, cultural, political, and technological circumstances, and thus require a contextual and holistic approach for solutions. This study is driven by the quest to examine and establish the fundamental factors that are affecting citizens’ capacity, effort and behavioural intentions to adopt and continue using egovernment systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region; using Zimbabwe and Zambia as a case study. Thus, this study focuses on the government to citizen (G2C) domain with particular emphasis on the citizen-side. Currently, there are no holistic, people-driven models that could be used to assist and guide practitioners on e-government maters (including guiding citizen-informed designs and implementation, predicting and stimulating adoption and utilisation) for the SADC region and other developing nations with similar socio-economic and technological settings. This study aims to develop a people-driven e-government adoption and utilisation model (PDEGAUM), build upon two long-established theoretical frameworks; the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) (focused on understanding the demand-side) and the ITU E-Government Implementation Toolkit (focused on understanding how the supply-side could be aligned with, and be informed by, the demand-side). An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was considered most appropriate for testing the PDEGAUM conceptual model. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select the 800 respondents (drawn from Zimbabwe and Zambia) for the survey method (selfadministered questionnaires were used). After the pre-analysis screening of the quantitative data, only 736 questionnaires were used for data analysis (comprised of 489 citizens who have used e-government systems and 247 have not used). Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and regression analysis (using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)); and structural equation modelling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (using IBM Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS)) were selected for testing the model fit of the proposed model. All but one of the hypotheses was confirmed by this study. Semi-structured interviews (serving a confirmatory role) were pursued with 8 purposively selected interviewees from the respondents who had participated earlier on in the survey. The Total Quality Framework (TQF) was adopted as the most suitable theoretical lens for guiding the analysis of the qualitative data; thematically using the Nvivo Plus qualitative data analysis software (QDAS). The qualitative results confirmed the quantitative results. Findings of this study confirm the proposed PDEGAUM model as being suitable for the SADC region. The PDEGAUM model is novel in that it places citizens’ demands and input at the centre stage of spearheading e-government initiatives, which in turn informs e-government implementation. This approach contradicts the supply-driven approach by being contextuallyaware of citizens’ concerns in-line with e-government initiatives. Such a holistic gesture by the government is believed to go a long way in fostering and stimulating the adoption and utilisation of e-government systems. Decisively, the findings of this study have demonstrated that a people-driven approach constitutes the basis for rolling-out successful e-government systems, particularly in the context of the SADC region and other developing countries that are plagued by complicated socio-economic and political dynamics.
Against a priori knowledge of non-trivial truths.
(2014) Robinson, Carin.; Spurrett, David.
This is a thesis in support of the conceptual yoking of analytic truth to a priori knowledge. My approach is a semantic one; the primary subject matter throughout the thesis is linguistic objects, such as propositions or sentences. I evaluate arguments, and also forward my own, about how such linguistic objects’ truth is determined, how their meaning is fixed and how we, respectively, know the conditions under which their truth and meaning are obtained. The strategy is to make explicit what is distinctive about analytic truths. The objective is to show that truths, known a priori, are trivial in a highly circumscribed way. My arguments are premised on a language-relative account of analytic truth. The language relative account which underwrites much of what I do has two central tenets: 1. Conventionalism about truth and, 2. Non-factualism about meaning. I argue that one decisive way of establishing conventionalism and non-factualism is to prioritise epistemological questions. Once it is established that some truths are not known empirically an account of truth must follow which precludes factual truths being known non-empirically. The function of Part 1 is, chiefly, to render Carnap’s language-relative account of analytic truth. I do not offer arguments in support of Carnap at this stage, but throughout Parts 2 and 3, by looking at more current literature on a priori knowledge and analytic truth, it becomes quickly evident that I take Carnap to be correct, and why. In order to illustrate the extent to which Carnap’s account is conventionalist and non-factualist I pose his arguments against those of his predecessors, Kant and Frege. Part 1 is a lightly retrospective background to the concepts of ‘analytic’ and ‘a priori’. The strategy therein is more mercenary than exegetical: I select the parts from Kant and Frege most relevant to Carnap’s eventual reaction to them. Hereby I give the reasons why Carnap foregoes a factual and objective basis for logical truth. The upshot of this is an account of analytic truth (i.e. logical truth, to him) which ensures its trivial nature. In opposition to accounts of a priori knowledge, which describe it as knowledge gained from rational apprehension, I argue that it is either knowledge from logical deduction or knowledge of stipulations. I therefore reject, in Part 2, three epistemologies for knowing linguistic conventions (e.g. implicit definitions): 1. intuition, 2. inferential a priori knowledge and, 3. a posteriori knowledge. At base, all three epistemologies are rejected because they are incompatible with conventionalism and non-factualism. I argue this point by signalling that such accounts of knowledge yield unsubstantiated second-order claims and/or they render the relevant linguistic conventions epistemically arrogant. For a convention to be arrogant it must be stipulated to be true. The stipulation is then considered arrogant when its meaning cannot be fixed, and its truth cannot be determined without empirical ‘work’. Once a working explication of ‘a priori’ has been given, partially in Part 1 (as inferential) and then in Part 2 (as non-inferential) I look, in Part 3, at an apriorist account of analytic truth, which, I argue, renders analytic truth non-trivial. The particular subject matter here is the implicit definitions of logical terms. The opposition’s argument holds that logical truths are known a priori (this is part of their identification criteria) and that their meaning is factually based. From here it follows that analytic truth, being determined by factually based meaning, is also factual. I oppose these arguments by exposing the internal inconsistencies; that implicit definition is premised on the arbitrary stipulation of truth which is inconsistent with saying that there are facts which determine the same truth. In doing so, I endorse the standard irrealist position about implicit definition and analytic truth (along with the “early friends of implicit definition” such as Wittgenstein and Carnap). What is it that I am trying to get at by doing all of the abovementioned? Here is a very abstracted explanation. The unmitigated realism of the rationalists of old, e.g. Plato, Descartes, Kant, have stoically borne the brunt of the allegation of yielding ‘synthetic a priori’ claims. The anti-rationalist phase of this accusation I am most interested in is that forwarded by the semantically driven empiricism of the early 20th century. It is here that the charge of the ‘synthetic a priori’ really takes hold. Since then new methods and accusatory terms are employed by, chiefly, non-realist positions. I plan to give these proper attention in due course. However, it seems to me that the reframing of the debate in these new terms has also created the illusion that current philosophical realism, whether naturalistic realism, realism in science, realism in logic and mathematics, is somehow not guilty of the same epistemological and semantic charges levelled against Plato, Descartes and Kant. It is of interest to me that in, particularly, current analytic philosophy (given its rationale) realism in many areas seems to escape the accusation of yielding synthetic priori claims. Yet yielding synthetic a priori claims is something which realism so easily falls prey to. Perhaps this is a function of the fact that the phrase, ‘synthetic a priori’, used as an allegation, is now outmoded. This thesis is nothing other than an indictment of metaphysics, or speculative philosophy (this being the crime), brought against a specific selection of realist arguments. I, therefore, ask of my reader to see my explicit, and perhaps outmoded, charge of the ‘synthetic a priori’ levelled against respective theorists as an attempt to draw a direct comparison with the speculative metaphysics so many analytic philosophers now love to hate. I think the phrase ‘synthetic a priori’ still does a lot of work in this regard, precisely because so many current theorists wrongly think they are immune to this charge. Consequently, I shall say much about what is not permitted. Such is, I suppose, the nature of arguing ‘against’ something. I’ll argue that it is not permitted to be a factualist about logical principles and say that they are known a priori. I’ll argue that it is not permitted to say linguistic conventions are a posteriori, when there is a complete failure in locating such a posteriori conventions. Both such philosophical claims are candidates for the synthetic a priori, for unmitigated rationalism. But on the positive side, we now have these two assets: Firstly, I do not ask us to abandon any of the linguistic practises discussed; merely to adopt the correct attitude towards them. For instance, where we use the laws of logic, let us remember that there are no known/knowable facts about logic. These laws are therefore, to the best of our knowledge, conventions not dissimilar to the rules of a game. And, secondly, once we pass sentence on knowing, a priori, anything but trivial truths we shall have at our disposal the sharpest of philosophical tools. A tool which can only proffer a better brand of empiricism.
An analysis of nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon=Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngezimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe kwezinye zezibhedlela ezikhethiwe zaseCameroon.
(2023) Wanko Keutchafo, Esther Lydie.; Kerr, Jane.
Background: Nurse-patient communication has been recognised as one of the most important aspects of successful patient outcomes. In relation to older adults, whose numbers are growing worldwide, nurses’ communication with older adults is essential because older adults will seek medical assistance more than before. Since most rely on nonverbal communication because of hearing deficits, and changes in attention and coding of information – all restrictions in interaction and effective verbal communication – nurses’ nonverbal communication will be a vital skill to develop good nurse-older patient relationships. In a context where there are no long-term care settings, nurses will be required to achieve effective nonverbal communication when older adults are admitted to the wards. Aim: This study aimed at analysing nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon, to develop a model for effective nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. A total of 372 participants were included through overt, theoretical, and convenience sampling. To collect the qualitative data through participant observations and individual interviews, twenty-seven (27) nurses were observed, of which 13 nurses were interviewed, and 29 older adults were observed, of which eight (8) were interviewed. In addition, 316 nursing students participated in the survey. Qualitative data analysis was composed of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, which were intertwined as the researcher moved back and forth between data collection and data analysis. Additionally, comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, and memos were used during the process of analysing the qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPPS version 25, where descriptive and inferential analyses were run. Additionally, an explanatory factor analysis based on the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation was conducted, to determine the common factors that explain the order and structure among measured variables. Results: Firstly, the results showed that there was limited evidence of studies on nonverbal communication between nurses and cognitively intact hospitalised older adults in clinical settings. Secondly, the results showed that hospitalised older adults made both positive and negative interpretations of nurses’ nonverbal communication. They also had specific nonverbal communication needs. Thirdly, the results showed that nurses mainly used haptics, kinesics, and proxemics to communicate nonverbally with hospitalised older adults to build relationships with them, convey affection, reassure them, and support verbal communication. Further, the results showed that nursing students held slightly positive attitudes towards older adults; yet, the tool used to assess their attitudes showed moderate psychometric properties and two factor loadings. Finally, the results showed that the proposed model for effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults, which emerged from the data, encompassed all six categories of Strauss and Corbin’s framework, which are: causal conditions, contextual conditions, core phenomenon, action/interaction strategies, intervening conditions and expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study revealed that nurses mainly use few nonverbal communication techniques to communicate with hospitalised older adults, which cannot achieve effective communication, vital in nurse-patient relationships. The proposed model provides a guide for effective nonverbal communication with older adults and acknowledges that older adults’ interpretations and needs of nonverbal communication, as well as attitudes towards them, all influence effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults. It is hoped that nurses will consider these to improve their nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults for better patient outcomes such as: patient satisfaction, shorter lengths of stay in hospitals and improved quality of care. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukukhulumisana phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli kubalulekile ukuze isiguli silulame kahle. Ngokuphathelene nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka, indlela umhlengikazi akwazi ngayo ukuxhumana nabo ibalulekile ngoba abantu abaningi asebekhulile bathembele ekusebenziseni izimpawu lapho bekhuluma, okuyikhono okusemqoka ukuba umhlengikazi abe nalo ukuze kuthuthukiswe ubudlelwane obuhle phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli esezikhulile ezimweni lapho kungekho khona uhlelo lokunakekelwa isikhathi reside. Inhloso: Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe ezibhedlela ezithile zaseCameroon, ukuze kusungulwe inqubo esebenza kahle yokuxhumana ngezimpawu. Izindlela zokwenza: Kulolu cwaningo kusetshenziswe izindlela ezixubile lapho kwabandakanywa khona ababambiqhaza abangama-372 kusetshenziswa uhlelo lokukhetha ngokusobala, ngokulandela indlela yezinjulalwazi nalolo oluvumelana nesimo. Kwabukwa abahlengikazi abangama-27, kwathi abayi-13 kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Kwabukwa abantu asebekhulile abangama-29, kwase kuthi abayisishiyagalombili kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kunabahlengikazi abangamathwasa abangama-316 ababamba iqhaza kule nhlolovo. Ukuhlaziywa kwemininingo eyikhwalithethivu kwakunalezi zinyathelo ezintathu; ukuhluza ulwazi oluqoqiwe ukwenza ucwaningo lube yizingxenye ezincane bese zinikezwa amakhodi, ukuhlela amakhodi olwazi oluhluziwe bese ebekwa ngemikhakha kuye ngokuhlobana kwawo nokuhlobanisa yonke imikhakha ibe umkhakha owodwa owumgogodla kanye nokuhlaziya ngokuqhathanisa, kanye nerekhodi lomcwaningi eliqukethe umbono wakhe, neziphetho afinyelele kuzo nokuphawula. Imininingo eyikhwantithethivu yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa uhlelo lwekhompuyutha i-SPPS version 25, lapho kwenziwa khona ukuhlola okuchazayo nokucabangelayo. Imiphumela: Okokuqala, bube buncane ubufakazi bokuthi lukhona ucwaningo olwenziwe odabeni lokuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela abanengqondo esebenza ngokugcwele endaweni yokwelapha. Okwesibili, abantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe esibhedlela, ababenezidingo ezithile zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, bakuqonda ngokunembile okwakushiwo abahlengikazi lapho bekhuluma nabo ngezimpawu, kanti kwezinye izimo abazange bakuqonde ngokunembile okwakushiwo. Okwesithathu, abahlengikazi basebenzisa ikakhulukazi ukuthinta, izimpawu zomzimba, nezinga lokuqhelelana noma ukusondelana nomuntu ukuze bakhe ubudlelwano nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, bababonise uthando, babanikeze ithemba futhi baxoxe nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, abahlengikazi abasengamathwasa babonisa isimo sengqondo esihle kakhudlwana kubantu asebekhulile; nokho, ithuluzi elisetshenzisiwe ukuze kuhlaziywe isimo sabo sengqondo libonise izimpawu zokusebenza kahle. Okokugcina, isibonelo sendlela ephumelelayo yokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela satholakala emininingweni futhi sididiyela yonke imikhakha eyisithupha yohlaka lukaStrauss noCorbin. Isiphetho: Ngokuvamile abahlengikazi basebenzisa izindlela zokuxhumana ngezimpawu ezimbalwa ukuze baxhumane nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, ezazingasizi ekudluliseleni umyalezo ngempumelelo. Indlela ehlongozwayo inikeza isiqondiso sokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile ngendlela ephumelelayo futhi iyavuma ukuthi indlela abantu asebekhulile abaqonda ngayo izinto nezidingo zabo zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, kuhlanganise nendlela umuntu ababheka ngayo, kunomthelela ekuxhumaneni nabo ngezimpawu ngempumelelo. Kuthenjwa ukuthi abahlengikazi bazokuhlola lokhu ukuze bathuthukise indlela abakhulumisana ngayo ngezimpawu neziguli esezikhulile ezilaliswe esibhedlela ukuze kuthuthukiswe izinga lokwaneliseka kweziguli, kuncishiswe ubude besikhathi ezisihlala esibhedlela futhi kuthuthukiswe izinga lokunakekelwa kwabantu abadala.
An analysis of pre-service mathematics teachers’ geometric thinking and classroom discourse using a commognitive lens.
(2022) Larbi, Ernest.; Mudaly, Vimolan.
Learning geometry equips learners with cognitive skills such as visualisation, critical thinking, spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities, that are necessary for learning mathematics in general. However, geometry is noted to be difficult for learning as well as teaching. An investigation of this difficulty, especially with teachers, will help address its teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to analyse pre-service teachers’ geometric thinking and classroom discourse using the commognitive lens. The study was guided by three objectives, which were to analyse the pre-service teachers' discursive thinking in geometry; the nature of their routine thinking in solving the geometric tasks, and how these informed their classroom geometric discourse. The study aligned itself to the qualitative approach and was underpinned by the interpretivist research paradigm. Eight pre-service teachers who were second-year university students and had taken geometry as part of their programme modules, participated in the study. The study site was conveniently selected, whilst the participants were selected on purposively. Geometry worksheet (test), interview and classroom observation, were used to generate written, verbal (oral) response, and visual data in relation to the study objectives. The data was analysed using the themes of the commognitive framework. The results show that both literate and colloquial word use were found in the discourses of the pre-service teachers. Many participants in Group A used more literate words to define and explain geometric concepts and how they solved the geometry problems, than the participants in Group B, who used both literate and colloquial words. Also, the routine solution strategies of many in Group A showed more of an explorative way of thinking compared to those in Group B, who demonstrated more of a ritualised way of thinking. In addition, multiple solutions to tasks were found by many of Group A participants than those in Group B. Generally, many of the study participants demonstrated limited geometric thinking. Misconceptions were evident in the discourses of some pre-service teachers in both groups. Other key findings from the classroom observation were that, many participants in Group A demonstrated an explorative instruction that is characterised by developing learner understanding and using different kinds of visual mediators as compared to participants in Group B, whose classroom geometric discourse was ritualised in nature. In other words, their teaching was more procedure-driven than conceptual. The study concludes that many of the PSTs possess limited geometric thinking. In addition, those who possessed good geometric thinking were more capable of engaging learners in explorative instruction compared to those with limited geometric thinking. These findings may have an influence on mathematics teacher educators’ efforts to develop teaching competence among pre-service teachers.
Analysing conceptions of Zulu kinship system in present times and their influence on orphaned children’s education in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2021) Jonathan, Lorna.; Buthelezi, T.M.
The kinship care system is the preferred option, should it become necessary for a child to be removed from home and placed within a safe environment. It is the least restrictive and most family-like out-of-home placement. This study explored the lives of children in KwaZulu- Natal, who have been orphaned or are otherwise vulnerable, in relation to the Zulu kinship care system. Orphanhood has become widespread because of the HIV&AIDS pandemic, though there are also other contributing factors. The main purpose of the study was understanding how the children adapt to a life living with extended family because of being orphaned. The second purpose of the study aimed to find out why the children who have extended families are sent to live in an institution and how they understand both their family circumstances and their present context. The study design is a qualitative case study, designed with an interpretive paradigm. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems framework provided the lens for this study. This examines a child’s development within the complex “layers” of environment, each influencing a child’s development. The framework provided a way of approaching and analysing the data. There were 45 orphaned child participants, primarily girls, between the ages of 15 and 18, who were living with their caregivers, 25 of whom were also interviewed. The orphaned children were selected from three high schools in KwaDukuza area of KwaZulu- Natal; selection was undertaken on a systematic sampling basis. In addition, nine children were selected from a childcare facility in Durban, as well as a social worker from the same facility. The data collection strategies included focus group discussions with caregivers, individual interviews with participating teachers and a social worker as well as drawings and interpretation with children. Interviews with caregivers in a township revealed that the families themselves were poor and humble yet had been open to accepting yet another child to care for. The most significant finding is that the Zulu kinship system continues to operate but is under severe stress, and at times is not serving to protect children to the extent needed. The pattern of families intervening to protect and care for children in difficulties still continues, as indicated in the township settings; the caregivers report on their care as a labour of love that entails sacrifice. However, there is evidence from children that, while that is true of some situations, other placements are subject to abuse and exploitation. In many cases the care is inadequate simply because of the poverty of the family. The impact of poverty on schooling, and the degree of ostracism within schools, is a constant problem. In some families, the system has failed to the point that the only option for vulnerable and orphaned children is institutional care. Children in care report fully on the abuse and neglect that led to their placement, while most of those who had been placed with the extended family had enjoyed family life before the loss of parents. An additional finding was on the central role of mothers and on the frequent absence of fathers, before the loss of parents, as well as the major role played in the extended families by grandmothers. Significantly, despite the evidence of abuse and despite the evidence that institutional care was supportive and warm, children in care expressed a longing for family, even some children from families that had failed them completely. There is clearly, as recommended, a pressing need for ongoing visits by a social worker to orphaned children placed with extended families, given the extent of abuse revealed. In terms of further research, proposals are made to explore areas that would buttress the capacity of the kinship system in relation to social work and school, and to understand the possibilities for intervening before families lose their capacity for care.
Anatomic and functional significance of the coronary collateral pathways in coronary arterial obstruction.
(2014) Ajayi, Nasirudeen Oladipupo.; Satyapal, S Kapil.; Vanker, A Ebrahim.
Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and it is becoming an epidemic in developed as well as developing countries. In South Africa and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, cardiovascular disease is an increasing cause of death and disability. An important cause of morbidity and mortality is the formation and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque with resultant occlusion of large and medium size arteries. In severe obstructive coronary artery disease, coronary collateral arteries serve as alternative conduits for blood flow to the myocardial tissue supplied by the obstructed vessel(s). The confirmation of the presence of coronary collateral circulation has left several questions such as the distribution, histology and anatomy of these vessels unanswered. Hence, there is still much to understand in respect of the development, potential for manipulation and the haemodynamic effects of the collateral pathways. The most extensive description of the pathways of the coronary collateral arteries to date was reported by Levin in 1974 who recorded 22 pathways. Since this compilation, it is apparent that there has been no additional study elucidating the pathways of coronary collateral arteries in severe obstruction of the major coronary arteries. Currently, the classification of the coronary collateral arterial vasculature is based on several methods and has led to difficulty in scientific communication, as well as the assessment of their structure and function. Therefore, there is the need for a standardized systematic classification of the coronary collateral pathways. In routine coronary angiographic reports, the precise location of atherosclerotic lesions and the presence or absence of coronary collaterals is not usually indicated. The aim of this study was to document and classify the coronary collateral pathways using angiographic imaging techniques in the presence of total obstruction of the coronary arteries; and to evaluate the importance of coronary collaterals on left ventricular function. The study group was selected from the reviewed angiographic records of 2029 consecutive patients that had coronary catheterization performed by interventional Cardiologists for symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease. The coronary angiograms of 286 patients (mean age: 59 ± 11 years) that met the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis from the angiograms reviewed. The sex distribution of these patients was 21.7% (62/286) females and 78.3% (224/286) males. The angiograms were obtained from the cardiac catheterization laboratories of hospitals within the private sector in the eThekwini Municipality region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ethical approval (Ethics number BE 196/13) for the study was obtained from the University of KwaZulu- Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. A total of 329 coronary arterial total obstructions were recorded in the angiograms analyzed, and these obstructions were found in the main coronary arteries as follows: anterior interventricular branch -76 obstructions, circumflex branch -87 obstructions and right coronary artery (RCA) -166 obstructions. In the obstruction of the different segments of the main coronary arteries, a total of 115 different collateral pathways were observed as follows: anterior interventricular branch - 32, circumflex branch – 46 and RCA- 37. An algorithm is proposed in the present study for identifying and labelling the coronary collateral pathways. The richest collateral supply was to the RCA and the least was to the circumflex branch. The present study found no significant association between patients’ age and sex and the development of excellent or well-functioning collaterals. There was a significant association between the development of excellent collaterals and the proximal location of lesion in the RCA. In addition, a significant association was found between right coronary arterial dominant pattern and the development of excellent coronary collaterals in circumflex branch and RCA obstructions. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean ejection fraction (EF) calculated for the different grades of coronary collaterals. Thus, the development of excellent collaterals has a significant supportive effect on the preservation of left ventricular function as compared to patients with absent or poor collateralization. There was also a significant positive correlation between coronary collateral grades and mean EF calculated for the different collateral grades. Consequently, left ventricular myocardial perfusion was greater in patients with well-developed coronary collaterals and resulted in a better recovery of left ventricular function in the presence of myocardial ischemia or infarction. The presence of well-developed collaterals may influence decision making in the management of patients with coronary arterial obstruction. In the presence of an adequately preserved left ventricular function by coronary collaterals in asymptomatic patients, there may be no need for coronary angioplasty, stent insertion or surgical intervention.
"Aristotle's eudaimonia in Aquinas' moral philosophy : a critical study."
(2015) Ezenwanne, Henry Chibuike.; Matolino, Bernard.
This thesis intends to explore the argument among scholars as to whether Aquinas merely Christianises (baptises) Aristotle’s concept of eudemonia in his moral philosophy or whether he substantially develops and transforms it beyond what Aristotle originally presents in his main ethical works of Nicomachean Ethics, Magna Moralia and the Eudemian Ethics. It is true that Aquinas relies on and uses a number of Aristotle’s ethical views, yet he is able to develop and transcend Aristotle. However, the aim of this thesis is to demonstrate that Aquinas does not only adopt or incorporate Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia (happiness) into his moral philosophy, but he goes beyond what Aristotle envisages in his ethics. For Aristotle, happiness is the reward for the virtuous activity of the rational soul, the highest good (end) to which all things aim. However, for Aquinas, happiness is the participation in the beatific vision of the First and Final Act, he calls God. Happiness, for Aquinas, in the proper sense of the word, cannot be attained in this life since no created goods can satisfy the unsearchable wants and desires of the human being in this life. Hence, Aquinas transcends Aristotle’s moral, socio-political, natural and temporary kind of happiness to develop his metaphysical, ontological, theological and supernatural kind of happiness. Chapter one introduces and sets the boundaries of the thesis. Chapter two explores the debate among scholars as to whether Aquinas Christianises Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia or not. Chapter three examines the fundamental principles in Aristotle’s ethics (moral Philosophy) with the emphasis on understanding the human being. Chapter four explores Aristotle’s overview of the concept of eudaimonia (happiness). Chapter five looks at Aquinas’ basic moral philosophical framework with the emphasis on human nature as well as the participation in the “Divine” Nature. Chapter six examines Aquinas’ concept of virtue, which is a development of Aristotle’s virtue ethics. Chapter seven investigates Aquinas’ notion of happiness, as he goes beyond Aristotle’s eudaimonia. Chapter eight concludes and highlights the standpoint of this thesis.
The assessment of quality service at Capitec bank in KZN: a Pinetown region based case study.
(2016) Mkhize, Fikile.; Migiro, S.
ABSTRACT This work sought to access and analyses customer satisfaction with quality of service delivery at Capitec Bank, Pinetown. The six Pinetown Capitec branch offices were purposively chosen for this work. The objectives of the study were to determine the impact of client satisfaction on the performance and growth of Capitec Bank using the SERVQUAL model that identified the influence of five dimensions (that is; tangibility, responsibility, reliability, assurance and empathy). A structured questionnaire was administered to targeted clients and employees of Capitec Bank at the Pinetown Branches. A total of 190 respondents were contacted; comprising 100 clients and 90 employees. The findings indicated that both clients and employees were more satisfied with tangibility followed by assurance, empathy, reliability and responsiveness in the branches. The relationship between employees and clients was mutual and cordial in terms of service delivery. It is recommended that managers should work at improving on the SERVQUAL dimensions to be ahead of competition and to be profitable. Keywords: SERVQUAL, Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction.
The authoritarian character: revisited.
(2022) Govender, Nathisvaran Kumarasen.; Swer, Gregory Huw Morgan.; Sivil, Richard Charlton.
In this thesis, I revisit the authoritarian character concept, as developed by members of the first-generation Frankfurt School. The authoritarian character concept (ACC) was a concept developed to understand the predisposition of individuals and societies towards seeking the domination of authoritarian demagogic as opposed to realising their own liberation. The need to revisit the ACC came about due to a noticeable rise of authoritarian demagogic leaders within liberal democracies. However, in researching the ACC, I observed that the dominant narrative was incorrect in its interpretation of the conceptual development of the ACC, and subsequently, is overly restrictive with regards to its conceptual parentage as it did not consider conceptual developments outside of 1936-1939. Therefore, in this project, I revisit the ACC with the aim of detailing a conceptually clear understanding of the ACC so that it could be used to help analyse the problem of contemporary authoritarianism. In revisiting the ACC, I hope to achieve four objectives. Firstly, to set out the foundations of the ACC by looking at the Frankfurt School and the conceptual makeup of the ACC. Secondly, was establishing a dominant narrative surrounding the ACC, which I termed the received view of the ACC. This received view holds the conceptual lifespan of the ACC as starting in 1936 and ending in 1939. Thirdly, to show that the received view of the ACC is incorrect with regard to the genesis of the ACC as work had been ongoing on the development of key concepts prior to 1936 and provide a revised account of the ACC to include this early conceptual development. Fourthly, to show that the received view of the ACC is incorrect with regards to the demise of the ACC, in 1939, as work was ongoing on evolving the ACC to meet more modern challenges well into the 1970s. Furthermore, these later developments of the ACC would ultimately complete the teleological arc of the ACC as a concept of Critical Theory as it is within these later developments that the ACC finally fulfils its goal of detailing a possible praxis that works towards an emancipated society.
The battle of the cosmos: a comparison of cosmopsychist theories.
(2020) Hauptfleisch, Kira.; Brzozowski, Jacek Jerzy.
No abstract available.
Beyond objectivism : an exploration in the epistemology and philosophy of science of Michael Polanyi and its relevance to truth claims in religion and ethics.
(2010) den Hollander, Daan.; Giddy, John Patrick.
No abstract available.
Can we be particularists about environmental ethics? : assessing the theory of moral particularism and its practical application in applied environmental ethics.
(2008) Toerien, Karyn Gurney.; Roberts, Deborah.; Farland, Douglas.
Moral judgments have tended to be made through the application of certain moral principles and it seems we think we need principles in order to make sound moral judgments. However, the theory of moral particularism, as put forward by Jonathan Dancy (2004), calls this into question and challenges the traditional principled approaches to moral reasoning. This challenge naturally began a debate between those who adhere to principled accounts of moral rationality, and those who advocate a particularist approach. The aim of this thesis is thus to assess the theory of moral particularism as recently put forward by Jonathan Dancy. In pursuing this project I initially set up a survey of the field of environmental ethics within which to explore traditional approaches to applied ethics. This survey suggests that applied ethical problems have traditionally been solved using various principled approaches and if we are inclined to take the particularist challenge seriously, this suggests a philosophical conundrum. On the one hand, increasingly important and pressing applied environmental ethical concerns suggest there is a practical need for ethical principles, whilst on the other hand, the particularist claim is that we do not need principles in order to make sound moral judgments. The survey of environmental ethics then establishes the first side of the philosophical conundrum. I then move to explore the second side of the conundrum; the theory of moral particularism, looking at why the challenge it presents to traditional principled approaches needs to be taken seriously. I then move to explore theoretical challenges to moral particularism; this is done to establish the current state of the theoretical debate between the particularist and the generalist. I conclude from this that the theoretical debate between the two has currently reached a stalemate; it is, at present, simply not clear which account is correct. As the main goal of this study is to evaluate particularism, this apparent stalemate led me to explore certain practical challenges to particularist theory as a means of advancing the debate. As particularism is a theory that challenges our traditional conception of how to make moral judgments, there will be important implications for applied ethics if particularism turns out to be correct, and 1 thus finally apply particularism to a practical environmental problem in order to assess the validity of practical challenges to particularism. In order to do this, a particularist ethic is applied to the question of whether or not to allow mining in Kakadu National Park in Australia. This provides a means of seeing what an applied particularist ethic could look like, as well as providing something of an answer to the practical challenge to particularism and achieving the goal of evaluating it within the applied context of environmental ethics.
Challenges facing the delivery of mega projects in Transnet capital projects.
(2018) Chetty, Rajan.; Naidoo, Vannie.
This study was undertaken to critically identify and analyse the challenges facing mega-project delivery at Transnet Capital Projects (TCP), a project execution wing of Transnet State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). Transnet is the custodian and operator of eight commercial ports, 20 500 kilometres of railway and 3800 kilometres of pipeline network in South Africa. The Department of Public Enterprises regards Transnet as an integral SOE upon which the country is heavily dependent on for economic growth, job creation and socio-economic transformation. In fulfilling its mandate, Transnet continually reviews its strategies to increase operational efficiencies, produce infrastructure ahead of demand, and reduce the costs of doing business. As a specialist project wing, TCP has delivered several mega-projects for the port, rail and pipelines divisions of Transnet, however evidence indicates that almost 55% of railway projects fail and that the New Multi-Product Pipeline (NMPP) project cost has almost doubled from its original estimate of R11.1 billion to R23.4 Billion. Currently TCP is executing several mega-infrastructure projects arising from Transnet’s R300 Billion Market Demand Strategy (MDS). Future mega-projects are anticipated to follow from Transnet’s 30-year long-term framework plan (LTFP). This study uses PMI’s (2013) ‘10 Knowledge Areas of Project Management’ as a model to critically identify and analyse the challenges facing the delivery of mega-projects in TCP. A simple convenience sample and quantitative data collected from 191 respondents in TCP project management teams provided an extensive data set for analysis. Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) was applied to analyse 122 constructs and through principal component analysis determine the main contributing challenges. Inferential statistical calculations were processed to determine correlation of 21 hypotheses. The findings indicate that while TCP has world-class project lifecycle processes and selected tools, there are challenges in upfront planning of mega-projects, inefficient scope and cost control, contract management challenges, inadequate personnel experience and skill, an overwhelmingly large number of stakeholders to manage and weak risk management. This study contributes new data on mega-project challenges, recommends new mega-project management practices, processes, and strategies to address these challenges. A new model to refocus mega-project execution for successful outcomes is presented. Transnet, project practitioners, researchers, stakeholders; public and private sector; and the African continent will benefit from the learnings of mega-project delivery at TCP.
Civil society advocacy and results measurement: a case study of the Save Zimbabwe campaign.
(2018) Mugochi, Taenzaniswa Kennedy.; Mottiar, Shauna.
This thesis critically examines attempts by civil society organisations (CSOs) working in the area of democracy advocacy in Zimbabwe to account to international donors in the context of a repressive political environment. The thesis examines how CSOs cope and adapt to the demand for results in international development, particularly upward accountability and the use of accountability mechanisms thereof. The study instrumentally uses the case study of the Save Zimbabwe Campaign (SZC), a democracy advocacy initiative that took place in Zimbabwe from 2006 to 2009, to explore how democracy advocacy results were measured and how requirements of upward accountability affect the organisational behaviour of CSOs. Through the deployment of accountability theory complemented by Foucault’s approach to discourse and power/knowledge framework, this thesis argues that results measurement is part of the dominant discourse in the field of international development and thereby constitutes a “discursive practice”. The discourse of results measurement is premised on “evidence of change” and the logical connection between interventions and outcomes. This is despite the fact that some results, especially of democracy advocacy based on mass mobilization of activists may take some time to gestate. However, this discourse is not free from judgmental values (subjectivities) of the social actors involved and is characterised by the exercise of power. As CSOs and donors interact through different communication typologies, perceptions and biases about the projects and implementation capacities inevitably form. These ultimately affect how results from advocacy initiatives are measured. The accountability requirements consequently affect the already asymmetric relationship between CSOs and donors as CSOs cope with and adapt to the upward accountability through improvisation and a combination of partial and reluctant compliance as a survival strategy. The thesis is based on a qualitative study and data was gathered through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Findings contribute to the field of upward accountability particularly with regards to CSOs involved in democracy advocacy based on mass mobilisation of activists and how they become accountable to donors within a politically repressive environment. The thesis also contributes to an understanding of how CSO - donor relations are shaped by accountability mechanisms and practices. The findings will be of interest to those involved in civil society and advocacy studies, development practitioners, donors and evaluators of development interventions.
Comparative metaphysics of the Vedas, Upanisads and the Bhagavad Gita.
(1990) Dewa, Harilal G.; Zangenberg, F.
No abstract available.
The concept of alienation in the work of Frantz Fanon.
(2017) Ndlovu, Siphiwe.; Matolino, Bernard.
No abstract available.
Conceptions of time: a look at the A-theory.
(2022) Sithole, Anele Nontokozo .; Brzozowski, Jacek Jerzy.
A critical examination of J.-P. Sartre's concept of freedom in the light of the relationship between en-soi and pour-soi.
(1981) Mashuq, Ally.; Rauche, Gerhard A.
No abstract available.
A critical examination of Richard Rorty's liberal lexicon.
(2010) Clare, Julia.; Gouws, Andries Stefanus.; McDermott, Lydia E.
This dissertation examines Richard Rorty's liberalism, especially as articulated in Contingency, irony, and solidarity, from a perspective which is sympathetic to the broad features of his pragmatism. I argue that Rorty's liberalism is, in the first instance a moral, rather than a political project and I begin this dissertation by examining in Chapter One, the basis of this moral project in his rejection of any notion of human nature in favour of a focus on the individual as a contingent, self-creating vocabulary. The moral core of Rorty's work is found in the vision of the liberal self who abhors cruelty. His politics extends outward from one variant of this type, the liberal ironist, who tries to balance her liberal commitments with a disposition to radical doubt. In his attempt to secure society for, and from, the liberal ironist, Rorty constructs a vision of society based in a strong division between public and private. In Chapter Two I argue that we should reject this move, and I argue instead for a vision of society based in conversation. In Chapter Three, I argue that this conversational understanding offers us an increased chance to attain the sort of cosmopolitan community to which Rorty aspires. In particular, I argue that we should see conversation, rather than imagination and reading, as the best means to develop and extend our sense of solidarity. One of the biggest obstacles to our increasing solidarity through conversation is the way in which power operates to sustain existing social and political arrangements by setting the conversational agenda. Rorty, unfortunately, says little about the workings of power and so, in Chapter Four, I propose the use of Iris Marion Young's thought on oppression and domination as a means to illuminate the issue of power at work, and to help us in finding ways to deal with it. In the final chapter I look to the particular role of the intellectual in the conversation. I examine Rorty's rejection of philosophy-as-epistemology in favour of what he calls pragmatism, and how this move combines with a variety of other strategies to apparently silence intellectuals. I argue that in spite of these moves, Rorty's philosophy and his own example actually extend the space from which and through which intellectuals can participate in the conversation and its transformation.
Deconstituting transition : law and justice in post-apartheid South Africa.
(2000) Lenta, Patrick Joseph Peter.; Herwitz, Daniel.
The aim of this study is to suggest, by selective example, a form of jurisprudence which relates to and may have a salutary effect upon law and justice in post-apartheid South Africa. I describe three ways in which South Africa can be regarded as negotiating a transition - from apartheid to post-apartheid, from modem to post modern and from colonial to postcolonial. I argue for a jurisprudence which directly concerns itself with each of these three overlapping and mutually informing modes of transition: an approach to law and justice which is post-apartheid, postmodem and postcolonial. Since my account of law and justice engages with all three transitions, it has the potential to bring about a positive transformation in the conservative legal theory currently in favour with the judiciary. I suggest that the positivist approach followed by the judiciary during apartheid led in most cases to a removal of ethics from the legal universe and a diremption of law and justice. I contend further that the current approach of the judiciary still bears the hallmarks of positivism, in its continued adherence to the 'literal approach' to constitutional interpretation and its misunderstanding of the role of morality in adjudication. I argue that positivism, with its potential to produce injustice, should be abandoned in favour of an approach based on a postmodem epistemology which incorporates a concept of justice which is both substantive and avoids the pitfalls of natural law: the historical exhaustion of classical teleology and the failure of religious transcendence to command widespread respect. The postmodem theorists I draw on, Michel Foucault, lacques Derrida and lean-Francois Lyotard, cumulatively point to the fai lure of the Enlightenment to ground legal practice upon the universalising faculty of reason. Postmodem jurisprudence. informed by postcolonial theory, postulates justice as an ethic of alterity and is able to reintroduce ethics into law in a manner which avoids the critique of Enlightenment epistemology. Having set out the jurisprudential views of these theorists, I turn to the activity of constitutional interpretation to demonstrate the way in which the judiciary's current approach to interpretation could be positively transformed through the introduction of interpretative techniques related to poststructuralism and specifically deconstruction. I argue that interpretation is an activity necessarily informed by values and that the indeterminacy of the language of the Constitution provides the interpreter with choice. Provided the choice is ethically motivated, interpretation is a transforrnative activity. Having concluded the expository section of this dissertation, I provide a close reading of two Constitutional Court judgements, Azanian Peoples Organisation (AZAPO) v President of (he Republic of South Africa and S v Makwanyane and Another. These judgements, decided under the interim Constitution, are arguably the most important judgements of the Constitutional Court to date. They represent sites of the judiciary's internal struggle to respond to the requirement for a new epistemology and practice of interpretation, which provide the means to adjudicate justly and also suggest ways in which to justify its decisions. My study is largely restricted to these two cases, and although I refer to other cases for their bearing on particular issues, I do not aim at a comprehensive survey of the Constitutional Court's record to date. Nevertheless. this study concludes with some provisional remarks about the record of the Constitutional Court since its inception and suggests possible ways in which the jurisprudence I have argued for may be pursued in furtherance of justice.

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