Mpho Tshivhase is a South African philosopher who teaches at the University of Pretoria. In April 2018, Tshivhase became the first black woman to receive a PhD in philosophy in all of South Africa.[1][2] Tshivhase teaches applied ethics and her research is focused on uniqueness and individuality.
Mpho Tshivhase | |
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Born | |
Alma mater | University of Johannesburg |
Region | Applied philosophy |
Main interests | African philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy of psychology |
History
editMpho Tshivhase's academic studies began at the University of Johannesburg in psychology. Later, at the graduate level, Tshivhase entered philosophy proper, where she completed her Master's thesis research on personal identity.[3]
Tshivhase's doctoral dissertation, entitled “Towards a Normative Theory of Uniqueness of Persons,” was supervised by Thaddeus Metz.[4] As the first black South African woman to receive a PhD in philosophy, Tshivhase was celebrated and the Independent Online described her achievements as "pioneering."[5] Tshivhase's achievement also led to discussions on the sociology of race and ethnic relations in South Africa.[6]
Research
editA primary question in Tshivase's research is whether uniqueness is an element of personal development that is worth pursuing at the expense of other things. Her overarching research concern aims to delineate what uniqueness amongst persons is (a mix combination of rarity, irreplacability and incomparability that is constructed through a process that involves autonomy and authenticity, rather than a given quality) and how humans relate to the concept of uniqueness.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Weinberg, Justin (10 May 2018). "The First Black African Woman Philosophy PhD in South Africa; Rozena Maart, born in District Six, the old slave quarter of the Cape, obtained her Phd in Philosophy from the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS), University of Birmingham, UK, in 1997". Daily Nous. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
- ^ "SA's first black PhD Philosopher graduate produced by UJ". www.uj.ac.za. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
- ^ "Interview: Mpho Tshivhase". Marie Claire: 15. 1 July 2018 – via Press Reader.
- ^ "Mzansi's First Black Woman Doctor Of Philosophy". DailySun. 25 April 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
- ^ "SA's pioneering black female philosophy PhD | Pretoria News". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
- ^ Mncube, Nompumelelo Zinhle Manzini, Zinhle. "Identity by race does matter". The M&G Online. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Ms. Mpho Tshivhase". www.up.ac.za. Retrieved 11 December 2018.