This publication forms part of a recent programme to assess the state of the social and human sciences in South Africa. The Analysis of Research in the Human Sciences programme, as it was known, commenced in 1993 under the auspices of the Human Sciences Research Council. The programme was concluded in 1995 (final report entitled "Social Knowledge for Societal Transformation"). Four main areas of analysis were identified by the steering committee early on in the programme. These were: issues related to research resources; the implementation and usefulness of human sciences research; quality of research and methodological and epistemological issues. The subcommittee which was appointed to investigate methodological and epistemological issues spelt out its objectives in greater detail. The following specific goals were identified: to present a historical overview of the emergence and development of different methodological approaches within South African social sciences; to record attitudes towards methodological and epistemological developments within particular debates; to address the issue of, and future scope for, interdisciplinary work in the human and social sciences.

Theory and method in South African human sciences research : advances and innovations

Summary In this paper an attempt is made to demonstrate the rhetorical thrust of philosophy. Contrary to the traditional assumption, it is argued that rhetoric rather than logic motivates philosophizing. The “irrationalism” of Gorgias, the Sophist, as well as rhetorical elements in Socratic thought, are considered in this regard. This particular form of irrationalism is construed as a liberation from the fetters of rationalistic illusion. Next, a brief investigation of Nietzsche's “deconstruction” of language and knowledge is undertaken. He is seen to operate in the same (sophistic) tradition. Then there is a section on the contemporary deconstructionist approach of Jacques Derrida and Paul de Man who expose tropic activity within philosophical discourse itself. Finally, the interaction of Derrida and Heidegger is briefly examined, together with an assessment of the hermeneutical implications of the deconstructionist approach.

L.J. Michell

Papers

Deconstructing the rhetoric of philosophy