PLS1502
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: August 2026
Question 1: Gyekye’s Moderate Communitarianism and Freedom of
Speech in South Africa
Introduction
Freedom of speech is important in a democracy because people need room to
question leaders, challenge accepted ideas, and bring different views into public
discussion. In South Africa, section 16 of the Constitution protects freedom of
expression, although harmful forms such as propaganda for war, incitement of
imminent violence, and defined hate speech are not protected (Republic of South
Africa, 1996: s 16). This essay argues that Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
gives stronger support to responsible freedom of speech than Menkiti’s radical
communitarian position because Gyekye accepts communal duties while also
protecting independent judgement. Zapiro’s 2008 Lady Justice cartoon is used as a
, Question 1: Gyekye’s Moderate Communitarianism and Freedom of Speech in
South Africa
Introduction
Freedom of speech is important in a democracy because people need room to
question leaders, challenge accepted ideas, and bring different views into public
discussion. In South Africa, section 16 of the Constitution protects freedom of
expression, although harmful forms such as propaganda for war, incitement of
imminent violence, and defined hate speech are not protected (Republic of South
Africa, 1996: s 16). This essay argues that Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
gives stronger support to responsible freedom of speech than Menkiti’s radical
communitarian position because Gyekye accepts communal duties while also
protecting independent judgement. Zapiro’s 2008 Lady Justice cartoon is used as a
South African example because it criticised powerful political figures and added to
public debate about constitutional institutions.
Body
African communitarian thought starts from the view that people naturally live through
relationships and rely on communities for social growth and meaningful participation.
Gyekye accepts this communal nature because individuals are born into cultural
settings shaped by shared values, practices, duties, and relationships that influence
how they develop and make choices (Gyekye, 2002: 299–301). However, he does
not accept that the community completely determines a person’s identity because
individuals also have reason, moral judgement, and the ability to choose for
themselves. This is important for freedom of speech because genuine expression
depends on a person being able to think independently before accepting,
questioning, or rejecting ideas supported by the wider community.
Menkiti gives the community a much stronger role because full personhood develops
through social incorporation and participation in communal life. A person becomes
fully recognised through involvement in the community and by meeting the duties
linked to their social position (Menkiti, 1984: 172–176). This approach places useful
emphasis on responsibility and belonging, but it becomes difficult when someone
honestly challenges dominant communal values through unpopular political or moral
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2026
Unique number:
Due date: August 2026
Question 1: Gyekye’s Moderate Communitarianism and Freedom of
Speech in South Africa
Introduction
Freedom of speech is important in a democracy because people need room to
question leaders, challenge accepted ideas, and bring different views into public
discussion. In South Africa, section 16 of the Constitution protects freedom of
expression, although harmful forms such as propaganda for war, incitement of
imminent violence, and defined hate speech are not protected (Republic of South
Africa, 1996: s 16). This essay argues that Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
gives stronger support to responsible freedom of speech than Menkiti’s radical
communitarian position because Gyekye accepts communal duties while also
protecting independent judgement. Zapiro’s 2008 Lady Justice cartoon is used as a
, Question 1: Gyekye’s Moderate Communitarianism and Freedom of Speech in
South Africa
Introduction
Freedom of speech is important in a democracy because people need room to
question leaders, challenge accepted ideas, and bring different views into public
discussion. In South Africa, section 16 of the Constitution protects freedom of
expression, although harmful forms such as propaganda for war, incitement of
imminent violence, and defined hate speech are not protected (Republic of South
Africa, 1996: s 16). This essay argues that Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
gives stronger support to responsible freedom of speech than Menkiti’s radical
communitarian position because Gyekye accepts communal duties while also
protecting independent judgement. Zapiro’s 2008 Lady Justice cartoon is used as a
South African example because it criticised powerful political figures and added to
public debate about constitutional institutions.
Body
African communitarian thought starts from the view that people naturally live through
relationships and rely on communities for social growth and meaningful participation.
Gyekye accepts this communal nature because individuals are born into cultural
settings shaped by shared values, practices, duties, and relationships that influence
how they develop and make choices (Gyekye, 2002: 299–301). However, he does
not accept that the community completely determines a person’s identity because
individuals also have reason, moral judgement, and the ability to choose for
themselves. This is important for freedom of speech because genuine expression
depends on a person being able to think independently before accepting,
questioning, or rejecting ideas supported by the wider community.
Menkiti gives the community a much stronger role because full personhood develops
through social incorporation and participation in communal life. A person becomes
fully recognised through involvement in the community and by meeting the duties
linked to their social position (Menkiti, 1984: 172–176). This approach places useful
emphasis on responsibility and belonging, but it becomes difficult when someone
honestly challenges dominant communal values through unpopular political or moral
