(1907) from Oxford with a thesis on “Modern Theories of the Will.” He served briefly as assistant to philosopher Bernard Bosanquet at the University of St Andrews, in Scotland, before being selected as Professor of Philosophy at the South African College in Cape Town (1908-11).
In addition to his philosophical work, he was the author of many articles and several books engaging contemporary social and political debates, such as Race and Reason and South African Native Policy and the Liberal Spirit.
Alfred believed that both practical and philosophical issues could be addressed through the kind of idealism - sometimes later called ‘speculative philosophy’ - represented by Bosanquet.
Hoernlé had a close interest in practical affairs, and early became concerned with the situation of the native populations in South Africa and the impact of Western culture on them.
He was regarded as a major figure of the liberal movement in South Africa,[5] and is referred to, with great respect, in Alan Paton’s famous novel Cry the Beloved Country.