Liberal ethics in South Africa since 1948 : power, principle and responsible action

This dissertation examines a four part hypothesis: (a) that liberal ethics in South Africa, particularly since the victory of the (Afrikaner) National Party in 1948, have been characterised by a sense of political powerlessness; (b) that as a consequence of this powerlessness, these ethics have been more concerned with principle, motives, conscience and internal consistency than with the consequences of liberal action; (c) that this sense of powerlessness is not justified in the social and political environment of the 1980's; and therefore, (d) that liberals should review their ethical approach with a view to developing an ethic of responsible liberal action.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Political Studies

Year dc:date.issued

1985

Author dc:creator

• Godsell, R M

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15832

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/15832