|
|
|
Updated: 29 Nov 2000
Gustav Klimt: Pallas Athena |
Barbara Norman NAME AND LOCATION: Barbara Norman, Johannesburg, South Africa ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: Ph D in Philosophy of Education. Thesis: Beyond the Mirror of Nature: Ecological Thinking. An exploration of the effects of representational thinking on certain aspects of educational practice and a revelation of its polar opposite, ecological thinking in education. Richard Rorty's 'edification' and Charles Taylor's notion of 'disengaged perspective' provided the basis for a definition of 'ecological'. I also turned to many alternative thinkers such as Fritjof Capra, James Gibson, Morris Bernard and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin as well as quantum physicists David Bohm and Paul Davies. Over the years, my thinking has been informed by Hans-Georg Gadamer and Martin Heidegger, and more recently by Georges Battaile and Gregg Braden. WORK EXPERIENCE: My thesis provided the basis for channelling ideas into practice. For
the past six years, I have developed a consultation called PAVE the way, Personal and
Vocational Education. I call myself an educational counsellor and work at an inner-city
school in Johannesburg, South Africa. For the past eight years, I have also lectured and
tutored in Philosophy of Education at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
South Africa. Before my academic career, I worked for many years in the business sector and this has
enriched my understanding of current public dilemmas. CURRENT PHILOSOPHICAL INTERESTS: My work at the school challenges me in the
philosophical space in between cultures. My 'clients' have one foot in traditional African
Culture and one foot in modern Western Culture. In the present political, economic and
social climate both in South Africa and internationally, they find themselves trapped by
the demands of one and the lure of the other. PHILOSOPHICAL CONSULTATION OFFERED: I offer private consultation with those who have
dilemmas embedded in changing circumstances both at home and in their community. My
intention is to broaden understanding of change into a much wider global context. OTHER INTERESTS: I am an Irish Dancer (the Michael Flatley kind); I read and work on
the cutting edge and listen to classical music. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS: I am a member of the Southern African Philosophical
Consultants Association as well as Mentor for the American Society for
Philosophy, Counselling and Psychotherapy. CONTACT DETAILS: WORK: TEL: 011 725 5475 FAX: 011 725 6265 |
|
Copyright TJG Louw ©
|
