Basiese wetenskapsbeoefening in die geesteswetenskappe: uitdagings, verwagtinge en knelpunte

Against the background of a brief sketch of the genesis of the university as a modern institution, this arcicle focuses on the rise of the humanities. This process is portrayed in terms of the inherent tension which characterises the development of modern philosophy, namely that between a deterministic natural-scientific orientation on the one hand and an attempt to chart a domain for genuine human freedom on the other hand. This dichotomy has resulted in che existence of two diametrically opposed methodologies: empriricism and historical hermeneutics, with the situation being further complicated by recent 'postmodernist' claims. As an alternative, an integral understanding of reality which transcends the impasse of mutually exclusive methodologies is suggested.