PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 2
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
, Introduction to African Philosophy - PLS1502
QUESTION 1
Discuss whether Gyekye’s moderate communitarian framework would protect
freedom of speech in the South African context
Introduction
Communitarianism is an important approach in African philosophy because it
emphasises the relationship between the individual and the community. However,
African philosophers disagree about the extent to which the community should
determine the rights, responsibilities and freedom of the individual. Two important
positions in this debate are Kwame Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism and Ifeanyi
Menkiti’s radical communitarianism. Menkiti gives the community a strong priority over
the individual and argues that individual duties to the community are more fundamental
than individual rights. Gyekye, in contrast, argues that although human beings are
socially connected and have responsibilities towards their communities, individuals also
possess intrinsic value, autonomy and rights. The distinction is particularly important
when considering freedom of speech in South Africa. This essay argues that Gyekye’s
moderate communitarian framework would provide stronger protection for freedom of
speech because it balances individual freedom with communal responsibility. A useful
example is the expression of political criticism on Twitter/X during the Nkandla
controversy, where South Africans openly criticised President Jacob Zuma and
demanded accountability. Such criticism demonstrates why a framework that
recognises individual rights, while still placing reasonable moral limits on harmful
expression, is more appropriate than Menkiti’s stronger emphasis on communal duties.
Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism begins with the recognition that human beings
are social beings who depend on relationships with others. He therefore does not reject
the importance of community. Instead, he challenges the idea that the individual has
ASSIGNMENT 2
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
, Introduction to African Philosophy - PLS1502
QUESTION 1
Discuss whether Gyekye’s moderate communitarian framework would protect
freedom of speech in the South African context
Introduction
Communitarianism is an important approach in African philosophy because it
emphasises the relationship between the individual and the community. However,
African philosophers disagree about the extent to which the community should
determine the rights, responsibilities and freedom of the individual. Two important
positions in this debate are Kwame Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism and Ifeanyi
Menkiti’s radical communitarianism. Menkiti gives the community a strong priority over
the individual and argues that individual duties to the community are more fundamental
than individual rights. Gyekye, in contrast, argues that although human beings are
socially connected and have responsibilities towards their communities, individuals also
possess intrinsic value, autonomy and rights. The distinction is particularly important
when considering freedom of speech in South Africa. This essay argues that Gyekye’s
moderate communitarian framework would provide stronger protection for freedom of
speech because it balances individual freedom with communal responsibility. A useful
example is the expression of political criticism on Twitter/X during the Nkandla
controversy, where South Africans openly criticised President Jacob Zuma and
demanded accountability. Such criticism demonstrates why a framework that
recognises individual rights, while still placing reasonable moral limits on harmful
expression, is more appropriate than Menkiti’s stronger emphasis on communal duties.
Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism
Gyekye’s moderate communitarianism begins with the recognition that human beings
are social beings who depend on relationships with others. He therefore does not reject
the importance of community. Instead, he challenges the idea that the individual has
