‘N BENADERINGSTRATEGIE VIR IDEOLOGIEKRITIEK TEEN DIE AGTERGROND VAN DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE SITUASIE

  • C W Du Toit University of Pretoria

Abstract

APPROACHING THE PROBLEM OF IDEOLOGIES IN THE S A SITUATION.Although the world of ideologies is a prosaic one, it does not diminish our responsibility as South Africa to critically ponder the issue, especially in our current situation. There seems to be more than one way of approaching the problem of ideologies. On the one hand one must recognise that we all have our ideologies; on the other hand we should try, by interpreting ideologies, to analyse and, if necessary, transcend our ideologies.Some models for interpreting ideologies are briefly exposed. Attention is given to ideology as a distortion of reality, and as a legitimation thereof. Ideology is compared structurally with utopia to show the similarities, and to emphasise the importance of utopia for any society. Utopia is a creative power, able to provide us with an alternative. As such it criticizes ideologies and stimulates society to consider alternative societal models.  Different kinds of utopia are discussed.A recourse to symbols, being a very productive approach to ideological reality, is suggested. The functioning and changing of the symbols of society are dealt with. The possibilities of an epistemologically orientated critique of ideology is examined together with the semiotic approach to ideologies. This includes the interpretation of signs and symbols. The task of the church, especially in emphasizing atonement as the complement of freedom and love, is shown.

Author Biography

C W Du Toit, University of Pretoria
Department of Dogmatics
Published
2020-05-08
Section
Articles