Goosen studied economics, classical languages, theology, and philosophy at the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of South Africa (Unisa). He completed BCom-, BA-, BAHons- (Philosophy), BD-, and DTh degrees.

While studying, Goosen was, among others, a research assistant at the Greek Department of the University of Pretoria. He completed his thesis titled ‘Nietzsche en die verwondering’ (Nietzsche and wonder) at the Department of Religious Studies at Unisa. During this time, he was also appointed as lecturer in the same department, where he was promoted to full professor in 2008. In this department, he is especially responsible for courses in philosophy of religion. Goosen has been giving lectures on the philosophy of architecture at UP’s Department of Architecture for several years, and offers a course on the modern experience of scarcity at the Department of Philosophy at the same university.

Goosen is a member of various academic societies, among which is the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (South African Academy for Science and Arts). His research focuses on Western metaphysical thought, the theological-political problem, modernism and post-modernism as idea-historical phenomena, as well as the religious- and politico-philosophical questions of our time.

Goosen gives a variety of lectures locally and abroad. At the same time, he also publishes a wide range of scientific and popular articles in a variety of media, among which is the comprehensive Nihilism (2007), about the spiritual-cultural problems of our time. In 2015, he published a politico-philosophical work, On Community and Place: Beyond the Discontent (2015). He is currently writing a work on modern conservative thought.

Goosen has been acting as chairman of the board of directors of the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Societies) (FAK) since 2004. He is a member of the directorate of AfriForum, the civil rights organisation of the Solidarity Movement, as well as a member of the directorate of Akademia.