Abstract
M.A.
The inability and shortcomings of current scientific models, methods and
theories to fully and effectively explain certain phenomena and provide
certain solutions to everyday problems, is a great cause for concern. The
ruling Newtonian scientific paradigm that serves as the foundation for
current scientific methods and theories, provides an insufficient ontological
basis for studying and explaining complex and interdependent phenomena
and questions. The attempt to explain and address problems and
phenomena from this deterministic and fragmented viewpoint, was
generally unsuccessful - an instance that is especially prominent in the social
sciences.
As with most fields of study, Development studies is also affected by the
abovementioned reality. Development theories and approaches are still
being distinguished by singular and fragmented approaches and views,
where only single facets of the development process are being addressed.
These theories and approaches also try to find solutions for development
problems from a Western, First World perspective. Local communities'
meaning-giving context was, and still is, rarely considered as part of the
development equation and development as viewed by the West, was
consequently "enforced" on these communities.
In recent years there has been a shift in emphasis to a search for approaches
that are inclusive, non-deterministic and process-driven which would better
explain complex behaviour, problematique and phenomena. This tendency
is also to be found in all the fields of scientific inquiry, including
Development studies. In view of the abovementioned reality, it is subsequently necessary to
examine the holistic ontology as it provides a clear and essential, albeit
supplementary, alternative to the Newtonian scientific paradigm. The
holistic ontology, which manifests concepts like linearity, causation,
determinism, objectivity and inductive reasoning, differs from the Newtonian
scientific paradigm in that it represents an opposite reality where concepts
such as process, context and recursive relationships play a central role. The
holistic ontology is also non-linear, non-causal and non-deterministic in
nature. This dissertation then focuses on the holistic ontology as applied to
development studies.
The topics that receive attention in this dissertation are the meaning and
goals of the concept of "development", the evolution of development theory,
the concept and nature of holism and how the holistic ontology can be
applied and operationalised in terms of development. It becomes evident
that holism can contribute in a positive manner towards the whole
development discourse and that this approach will sensitise developers (on
a conscious level) of the importance of communities' recursive relationships
and meaning-giving context in the development process.
The holistic ontology thus provides, for the first time, a clear and definite
alternative to the current fragmented Newtonian-based approaches from
where development can be implemented.