Read "Nelson Mandella" and "Apartheid."
Note that "Mandela repeatedly refused a commuted sentence or release in exchange for a public acceptance of certain apartheid policies and a renunciation of violence" (Pechey, L., 2008). Mandela believed that years of non-violent resistance to apartheid had not achieved any progress and approved of violent tactics against South Africa's government as a last resort. When Mandela was released in 1990 he stated, "The factors which necessitated the armed struggle still exist today. We have no option but to continue. We express the hope that a climate conducive to a negotiated settlement would be created soon, so that there may no longer be the need for the armed struggle."
Write a 500-750-word report in which you answer the following questions:
- In your view, was Nelson Mandela justified in the use of violence to resist the apartheid government of South Africa?
- Reflect on how early modern ethical thinkers Hobbes, Hume, and Kant might respond to this issue.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.