’n Beginselgrondslag vir gesag, vryheid, orde en dissipline in die onderwysopset van die vroeg-21ste eeu

A principial foundation for authority, freedom, order and discipline in the educational context of the early 21st century This volume of Koers contains a number of articles dealing with various aspects of authority, freedom, order and discipline in the educational context. The discussion in this, the introductory article, is based on the question whether postmodern conditions have brought about any changes to our views and ideas about these phenomena, especially since these conditions seem to favour relativism and to be averse to generalising “grand narrative”-views. In the discussion of each of these phenomena, the ramifications of extremely static and rigorous as well as of extremely fluid and dynamic approaches are considered. It is concluded that although cognisance has indeed to be taken of the needs and demands of postmodern man (in the shape of learners, for instance), persons in authority in educational context should strive to apply principles based on a Biblically-based/reformational view of man, society, authority, freedom, responsibility, accountability, order and discipline