Doctoral Degrees (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.
(2023) Keutchafo, Esther Lydie Wanko.; 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.
An analysis of pre-service mathematics teachers’ geometric thinking and classroom discourse using a commognitive lens.
(2022) Larbi, Ernest.; Mudaly, Vimolan.
Abstract five keywords from the following Abstract: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Democracy, power and the organization of education projects.
(1994) Parker, Benjamin Philip.; Moulder, James.
Abstract available in pdf file.
Developing an intervention to manage professional isolation among emergency nurses working in Lesotho: an action research approach.
(2023) Kutoane, Mahlomola.; Brysiewicz, Petra.; Tricia, Scott.
Introduction: Professional isolation is described as a deficiency in one’s network of social relations at work and is associated with compromised health service delivery and quality of life among health professionals, particularly those working in low-resource environments. Aim: to develop an intervention for managing professional isolation among emergency nurses working in Lesotho. Method: A mutually collaborative action research study, with an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, was conducted in the emergency departments of five selected hospitals in Lesotho, with 25 purposively sampled registered nurses. A needs assessment was conducted through a scoping review and focus group discussions, followed by the establishment of a three-member research team (Cycle One). Thereafter, 13 individual interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions of professional isolation among emergency nurses (Cycle Two). The intervention, a Digital Community of Practice, was developed (Cycle Three) and facilitated through WhatsApp platform, then was implemented and evaluated in Cycle Four. Results: The scoping review highlighted there is limited literature on professional isolation among health professionals and the focus group discussions revealed that participants acknowledged that there was a need for such a study. Qualitative interviews exploring professional isolation resulted in an overarching theme of ‘feeling like an island’ and three categories; lack of interprofessional collaboration and consultation, skills mismatch, and enforced loneliness. Following consultation with the research team, a digital community of practice was developed for emergency nurses using the WhatsApp platform and then implemented. Conclusion This study revealed that emergency nurses in Lesotho do experience professional isolation and a digital community of practice developed using social media, such as WhatsApp, as a communication tool, could be considered as an intervention strategy for managing professional isolation among emergency nurses working in low-resource environments. However, it is recommended that a larger-scale study be undertaken to encourage the motivation for developing contextual interventions for addressing professional isolation in emergency care settings.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria as putative probiotics and host genetic profile on rumen microbial ecology of two South African goat breeds.
(2022) Maake, Takalani Whitney.; Adeleke , Matthew Adekunle.; Aiyegoro, Olayinka Ayobami.
Over a decade ago, the use of antibiotics as feed additives has been banned in most European Union countries because of the following risks: development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbiota, release of unmanageable antibiotics into the environment and antibiotic or chemical residues in animal products. Due to consumer’s pressure and worries towards harmful effects of antibiotics as growth promoters, there was a need to think of alternatives to antibiotics. In recent years, probiotics have been preferred as a superior alternative to antibiotics because they no harmful attributes associated with antibiotics and also have the ability to stabilize the microbial diversity in the digestive tract, and promotes animal yield while preserving consumer’s health. Probiotics have also been observed to improve the functions of rumen microflora, fermentation processes and improve digestion in ruminants. The study therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of putative probiotics- Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Enterococcus faecalis, singly and in combination for two South African goat breeds. The first objective of the study was to determine the effects of probiotics on feed intake and growth performance of Boer and Speckled goats. To achieve the first objective, a total of 18 Speckled and 18 Boer randomly selected goats were separated into five treatment groups according to gender and breed. The trial lasted for 30 days. The goats were fed with pellets. Also, fresh water and hay were provided ad libitum. The treatment groups were as follows: (T1) basal diet + Lactobacillus rhamnosus SCH; (T2) basal diet + Enterococcus faecalis 25a; T3 basal diet + probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus SCH and Enterococcus faecalis 25a; T4 (positive control) basal diet + antibiotic; and T5 (negative control) basal diet with no antibiotics and no probiotics. The animals were weighed before and after the trial to determine their growth performance. Ruminal contents were collected before and after trial to examine the changes in the ruminal pH. All the data collected were processed and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.4). The efficiency of oral administration of putative probiotics on growth performance of South African goats showed the best performance in weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratios. Gender and breed affected weight gain and body weight, showing that male (18.4 kg) goats were heavier than females (15.3 kg) and that Boer goat had a faster percentage growth rate of 24% than Specked (18%). This indicates that Boer goats will reach the market weight faster; this is due to the effect of probiotics. Supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake. The pH across all treatment groups decreased averagely from 7.01 to 6.18. The lowest pH of 6.18 was observed in treatment group 3 (combination of probiotics). The findings in this study suggest that probiotics may have beneficial effects in goats’ nutrition by increasing weight gain and lowering pH. The second aim of the study was to determine the effect of host genetic profile on rumen ecology and performance characteristics of two South African goat breeds. Gut microbiota compositions were determined by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from ruminal contents of 36 goats. A total of 1,260 operational taxonomic units were obtained and grouped in 19 Phyla and 97 Genera. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Fibrobacters were the most dominant Phyla in all the treatment groups, while Prevotella and Anaerofustis were the most abundant Genera. Archaeal genus Vadin CA11, decreased in Treatment 1, 2, 3 and 5, while an increase was observed only in treatment 5. The presence of this genus has potential to allow the microbiome to adapt quickly to environmental stress like diet changes. However, the abundance of this genus must be controlled because it can produce additional ammonium through methanogenesis. The presence of Chlamydiae was observed only in Treatment 5 showing that probiotics and antibiotics eliminate obligate pathogens. Our result indicates that probiotics promote microbial diversity. The final objective was to examine the alterations triggered by the probiotics on the rumen microbial profiles of Boer and Speckled goats using the 50K SNP bead chip. Genome-wide association study was explored between genotype and the rumen microbiome composition. A total of 44 single-nucleotide polymorphisms dispersed across the goat genome were associated with the relative abundance of six microbial Genera: BF311, Clostridium, Fibrobacter, Methanobrevibacter, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. A total of 47 candidate genes were identified within 1-Mb windows of the goat genome; CPT1A, STC2, AGPAT3 and ACSF3 genes were associated with fatty acid metabolism, while GH, BMP, MSTN, GHR and STMN1 were associated with regulation of developmental growth. Our results suggest that 47 candidate genes may positively shape the microbiome and elucidate the association between gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and the host genome in two South African goat breeds used for this study.
Epistemology in African Philosophy: A critique of African concepts of knowledge.
(2019) Nwosimiri, Ovett Kodilinye.; Matolino, Bernard.
The question of the existence of African epistemology cannot be addressed without the acknowledgement and acceptance of African philosophy. This is of paramount importance as African epistemology originates from the discourse of African philosophy. Didier N. Khaphagawani and Jeanette G. Malherbe explain that to affirm the existence of an African philosophy suggest the existence of an African epistemology. To them, African epistemology can be regarded as a subset of African philosophy. African epistemology, like African philosophy, deals with issues about Africa. African epistemology engages with the nature and concept of knowledge, and the limit of human knowledge. African epistemology includes the African conception of the nature of knowledge, the ways in which knowledge could be gained, the ways in which one can justify an epistemic claim or validate a knowledge claim, and the role that knowledge plays in human existence. The protagonists of African epistemology, like Placide Tempels, Léopold Sédar Senghor, Innocent C. Onyewuenyi, Christopher Anyanwu and others based their argument for a distinctive or unique African epistemology on the premise or proposition all races is gifted with a unique nature and ways of knowing things. Based on the above, one of the conclusions that can be drawn is that the protagonists of African epistemology believe that things like knowledge, language, religion, emotions, perception, and some other ideas make African epistemology distinct and unique. Given the above, it will be of interest to inquire if African epistemology is entirely distinct and unique. Thus, this dissertation is a critique of African epistemology. My aim in this dissertation is to argue that given our ‘common humanity’ (the ideas we share) and our interaction (languages) with each other irrespective of where we come from, African epistemology is not as distinct or unique as the protagonists of African epistemology claim.
An exploration of the conceptualisation and enactment of regional economic development through an analysis of the Durban aerotropolis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2017) Luthuli, Nomkhosi Hlengiwe.; Houghton, Jennifer Alice.
This study explores the conceptualisation and enactment of regional economic development (RED) through an analysis of the Durban Aerotropolis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study is undertaken during a time where the process of globalisation is progressively increasing the importance of regional processes and the role of local actors in shaping development trajectories (Ascani, Crescenzi & Iammarino, 2012). These regional processes imply practical action going beyond the limits of traditional local economic initiatives (Amin, 1999) commonly referred to in the South African context and in other parts of the world as local economic development (LED). In this regard, the major problem prompting the enquiry in this study is the tendency of vagueness and ambiguity in the discourse of policy documents and government strategies relating to regionally inclined processes. More specifically, while the Durban Aerotropolis Strategy alludes to the impact of the Durban Aerotropolis on the development of the region and connecting regional economies, the conceptual vagueness of such allusions has consequences for both theoretical and empirical RED research as well as implications for economic development policy development and implementation. This calls for deconstruction of the relevant development discourse to provide a clearer conceptualisation of RED. The problems just mentioned are further compounded by a nomenclature shift in South African practitioner circles with incorporation of issues pertaining to the ‘region’ and associated difficulties, in what was hitherto confined to more specifically local issues of economic development. These difficulties relate to the way economic development practitioners proceed with their work in the absence of a context-specific conceptualisation of RED, coupled with lack of understanding of the nature of RED projects and of how they are implemented. To find solutions to these problems, the study examines the conceptualisation of the region inherent in RED through the Durban Aerotropolis. It seeks to understand the enactment of RED through collaborative and cooperative governance mechanisms and through agglomeration and clustering of business activity, and it explores coordinated investments for regional marketing within the Durban Aerotropolis. This was done using exploratory qualitative research within a social constructivist paradigm in which respondents were selected using a purposive sampling approach. The data was collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews and analysed using a thematic analysis technique. The findings of the study reveal that function, form and scale are central characteristics of the way that the region is conceptualised in the case of the Durban Aerotropolis as an instance of RED. Here, function is the purpose of a RED project, form refers to the kind of economic development mechanism or strategy that could assist in fulfilling that purpose, and the scalar characteristics establish the extent, reach and magnitude of the project—factors that have a direct bearing on the practical enactment or implementation of RED projects. It also emerged from the study that regional conceptualisation should be done by the various stakeholders of the project who have a responsibility to see it succeed through collaborative and cooperative governance. Furthermore, RED enactment entails agglomeration and clustering of business activity which can be achieved by attracting people and investment. This, however, requires coordination of efforts for regional marketing in which stakeholders work on the competitive advantage of their region through development of infrastructure, skills development and capacity building, and provision of incentives. Overall, the study establishes that conceptualisation of RED entails defining the objectives of RED and that it precedes RED enactment. However, RED enactment requires two facilitative mechanisms which are collaborative and cooperative governance, together with coordinated investments and collaborative efforts for regional marketing – to achieve the desired outcome of RED, which is an agglomeration and cluster economy with its associated externalities. The study has thus contributed to the conceptual clarification of regionally inclined processes of the Durban Aerotropolis. This will subsequently assist in theoretical and empirical RED research as well as economic development policy development and implementation. The study will also help to establish clearer and simpler nomenclature shift and will impact the work of economic development practitioners by making provision for a context-specific conceptualisation of RED and will provide new knowledge that will add significantly to understanding of the nature of RED projects and their implementation.
Exploring cultural norms, masculinities and sexual behaviours of black South African male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal = Ukuhlola amasiko, ubudoda kanye nokuziphatha kocansi kwabafundi besilisa abamnyama baseNingizimu Afrika eNyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natal.
(2021) Khumalo, Sinakekelwe Khanyisile.; Mabaso, Musawenkosi.; Taylor, Myra.
Background: Research evidence indicates that African male students are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour than their female counterparts. Sexual behaviour among male students is to a large extent influenced by their individual decisions and the social environment including immediate family and surrounding communities. It is therefore important to understand the context under which sexual behaviours are constructed and shaped. For many young people, the university environment period provides a critical developmental transition from adolescence to adulthood, during which young people establish patterns of behaviours and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. It is within this setting that young men interrogate their masculinities and sexual behaviours. The explanation of male students’ sexual behaviours can be determined through understanding the meaning and influence that they attach to the cultural norms related to sexual behaviours. Using the social constructionist paradigm that examines the development of masculinities as a mutual construct of individual, social, cultural, and historical contexts, the study aimed to explore cultural norms, masculinities and sexual behaviour of Black male students. This understanding is essential in order to develop recommendations to promote positive sexual behaviour messaging for university male students. The specific objectives of this study were (1) to explore how Black African male university students construct their sexual behaviours, (2) to explore the cultural norms associated with Black South African male students’ sexual behaviours, and (3) to explore the influence of the university behavioural intervention programmes on the sexual behaviours of male students. Methods: The study population was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using four focus group discussions with 36 participants and three key informant interviews. Focus group discussions consisted of 8-10 participants and were conducted according to the current year of study of the students. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify the key patterns and the themes that emerged from the data. Results: The results of the study reveal that versions of masculinities at institutions of higher learning are socially constructed, fluid over time and plural. An individual has multiple masculinities which are often exerted to suit their current discourse at any given point. The university setting appeared to be a space where a lot of toxic masculinities and sexual risk-taking occurred, which potentially exposed the young men in the study to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The results further reveal that the other influences on the sexual behaviours of the young men included family, peers and community. It was also discovered that poor knowledge and awareness, negative perceptions and attitudes, fear and lack of privacy, and negative experiences are the factors that lead to poor access and utilization of campus health services. Conclusion: The university space is an important space that allows young men from different cultural backgrounds to explore their masculinities, sexualities and sexual behaviours. The cultural norms of black male students studying at university which are associated with masculinities, sexualities and sexual behaviours are influenced by an array of factors such as family, peers, community, and individual decisions. These factors shape and ultimately inform the behaviours of young men regarding their masculinities and sexual behaviours. A number of male students continue to delay or avoid seeking health care even with the available sexual health programs at the university. It is therefore essential that the university’s HIV and AIDS programs infuse socio-cultural norms and notions of masculinity in their health communication strategy to create more effective HIV prevention programs for young men. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukuziphatha ngokocansi kwabafundi besilisa ngokwezinga elikhulu kuthonywa izinqumo zabo ngabanye kanye nendawo yenhlalo kubandakanya umndeni oseduze kanye nemiphakathi ebazungezile. Ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuqonda umongo lapho ukuziphatha kocansi kwakhiwe futhi akheke ngaphansi kwaso. Intsha eningi, isikhathi sendawo yasenyuvesi sihlinzeka ngoshintsho olubalulekile lwentuthuko ukusuka ebusheni kuya ekubeni abantu abadala, lapho abantu abasha besungula amaphethini okuziphatha futhi benze ukukhetha kwendlela yokuphila okuthinta impilo yabo yamanje neyesikhathi esizayo. Kukulesi simo lapho izinsizwa ziphenya khona ngobudoda nokuziphatha kwazo ngokocansi. Izindlela: Inani labantu bocwaningo likhethwe kusetshenziswa amasampula okuhlosiwe. Imininingo yaqoqwa kusetshenziswa izingxoxo zamaqembu amane okugxilwe kuwo nabahlanganyeli abangama-36 kanye nezingxoxo ezintathu ezibalulekile zabanolwazi. Izingxoxo zeqembu okugxilwe kuzo bezinabahlanganyeli abangu-8-10 futhi zaqhutshwa ngokonyaka wamanje wokufunda wabafundi. Ukuhlaziywa kwendikimba kusetshenziswe ukuze kutholakale amaphethini abalulekile nezindikimba ezivele emininingweni. Imiphumela: Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza ukuthi izinhlobo zabesilisa ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme zakhiwe ngokwenhlalo, zishintshashintsha ngokuhamba kwesikhathi kanye nobuningi. Umuntu unezinto eziningi zesilisa ezivame ukusetshenziswa ukuze zivumelane nenkulumo yakhe yamanje nganoma yisiphi isikhathi. Imiphumela iphinde iveze ukuthi amanye amathonya ekuziphatheni kocansi kwezinsizwa kwakuhlanganisa umndeni, ontanga kanye nomphakathi. Kuphinde kwatholakala ukuthi ulwazi olubi nokuqwashisa, imibono engemihle nezimo zengqondo, ukwesaba nokuntula imfihlo, kanye nolwazi olubi yizinto eziholela ekufinyeleleni okubi nasekusetshenzisweni kwezinsizakalo zezempilo zesikhungo. Isiphetho: Indawo yasenyuvesi iyindawo ebalulekile evumela izinsizwa eziqhamuka ezindaweni ezahlukene zamasiko ukuthi zihlole ubudoda bazo, ubulili kanye nokuziphatha kwazo ngokocansi. Idlanzana labafundi besilisa liyaqhubeka nokulibazisa noma ligweme ukufuna usizo lwezempilo ngisho nezinhlelo zezempilo zocansi ezikhona enyuvesi. Ngakho-ke kubalulekile ukuthi izinhlelo zenyuvesi ze-HIV ne-AIDS zifake imikhuba yezenhlalo namasiko kanye nemibono yobudoda esu labo lezempilo lokuxhumana ukuze bakhe izinhlelo ezisebenza ngempumelelo zokuvikela i-HIV ezinsizweni. Amagama asemqoka: amasiko, ukuziphatha kocansi, ubudoda, abafundi besilisa abasebasha, inyuvesi, eNingizimu Afrika
Food security: complexities in the lives of women living with disabilities.
(2022) Lister, Helga Elke.; Pillay, Mershen.
Background Food insecurity is a significant public health challenge affecting vulnerable populations globally. Currently, it is not known how health sciences educators train future professionals on the intervention of persons with disabilities who are food insecure. There is also a lack of understanding of food insecurity and disability, where there is additional disadvantage and marginalisation (such as having HIV or being a woman). This study explored how women living with disability in vulnerable contexts experience food security. Methods Firstly, an exploratory cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Through this, a baseline of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of educators regarding teaching of food security and disability in health care sciences was obtained. Secondly, a qualitative life history methodology was used to conduct open-ended interviews with three participants sourced through purposive sampling. Data collection, analysis and interpretation occurred concurrently over a five-year period. This was followed by a process of narrative configuration to produce the stories of the three women. Following this, the paradigmatic mode of analysis was used to describe the findings of three themes in the first two women’s narratives relevant to the research question. After this, the third narrative was analysed over the researcher’s changing understanding and insights developed within the community oriented primary care (COPC) approach. Results Educators from diverse disciplines completed the questionnaire (n=35). They had a partial understanding of the link between food security and disability. Few educators incorporated disability and food security into their training (12% theoretically and 20% practically). They indicated that more should be taught on this topic. Through the qualitative analysis, the three themes which influenced the food security of women living with HIV and disability were resilience; systemic failures; and questions around food security measures. The factors that emerged relevant to COPC engagement in households were the life history interview method for CHWs; improved training in mental health for CHWs and community-based health practitioners; improved care coordination between services; and improved understanding of interrelated HH complexity. This led to the development of the Household Complexity Model (HHCM). Conclusion The connection between food insecurity and disability, as experienced by women, must be thoroughly understood in health care. Beyond this, complexity should be addressed directly. Doing so will facilitate an improved understanding of the interrelatedness of household members and thus ensure that intervention can be more sustainable in improving overall wellbeing.
Freud and the legacy of Greece.
(2008) Kool, Sharon Beth.; Gouws, Andries Stefanus.
This thesis traces Freud's debt to classical Greece and argues that the development of his theory should not be considered apart from its roots in this legacy. The psychoanalytic project sheltered under the umbrella of Altertumswissenschaft and used the "ancient world to illuminate the modern". Winckelmann's Hellenism provided the foundations to German culture in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and dominated the educational and cultural institutions in which Freud lived and worked. Nietzsche later challenged Winckelmann's Apollian vision of Greece, and his "psychology of the Dionysian condition" acknowledged both irrational passion and sexuality. Freud is heir to both Winckelmann's and Nietzsche's Greece, and the dialectical tension between the rational and irrational, the mind and the body, that is evident in the reception of classical Greece in the nineteenth century is often paralleled in Freud's work. Hellenism is an essential element in Freud's theory of dreams and the unconscious. Greek mythology grounds the Oedipus complex, and informs his theorising on human sexuality. It plays an influential role in early sexology, and many of the challenges to psychiatry and neurology have their origin in Greek classicism. Not only does psychoanalysis rely on content drawn from this legacy, but its methodology as well as it structure are deeply influenced by Freud's knowledge of ancient Greece and his involvement in classical scholarship.

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