Stephen Biko’s Philosophy and Its Pedagogical Implications in South Africa

Vuyisile Msila

Department of Education Leadership and Management, College of Education, University of South Africa,Pretoria, South Africa.

DOI: 10.4236/ce.2013.48071                

Abstract

There are many approaches that need to inform education systems around the world. It also matters to know whether policymakers have followed (for example), a socialist or an individualist approach in formulating an education system. Furthermore, teachers and other role-players need to understand the paradigm that undergirds their system of education. This article focuses on the ideas of Stephen Biko, a South African political activist whose ideas proliferated in the 1970s. The article shows that certain values are crucial in building education founded on sound social justice policies. Most importantly, it displays that education is never a neutral act and that it will always be influenced by political debates and philosophies in a country.

Keywords

Fundamental Pedagogics; Liberatory Education; Political Ideals; Social Justice; Values

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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