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Thinking about history and human sciences
Knowledge questions
What shapes the 'course of history': individual 'great men', or historical forces and movements that have their origins in shared, collective ideas and ambitions? Or is it a combination of both? What makes a 'great leader' - and who decides that someone qualifies for this accolade?
Relating this to our real life situation
Mandela has exerted a huge influence on both South Africa and the wider world. His was the first presidency of a predominantly black country by a black president, and not only did his rule herald major changes to society and the law in that nation, he also acted as a figurehead and role model to people globally. Barack Obama lists him as one of his greatest inspirations.
But to what extent were the changes in South Africa (and the world) due to other forces? Already, the government in South Africa was facing huge pressures to change, and the opposition movement (which Mandela played a central role) had been gaining momentum for years.
Developing your ideas
Think about other 'great men' in history, and the extent to which they have caused a change, or used the changes already occurring in order to shape the course of events. Examples from the last century include Mahatma Gandhi, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Marshall Tito, and Mikhail Gorbachev.
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Thinking about language and emotion
Knowledge questions
What is the role of language in bringing about changes in society? What inspires us more: ideas or feelings? To what extent is being able to 'move the masses' a characteristic of great leaders? What are the dangers of someone possessing such a power?
Relating this to our real life situation
Like other influential and respected leaders, Mandela was a great public speaker. You can watch and listen to the speech he made when he was released from prison here. Both the words he chose, and the way he delivered them were deeply moving to those who heard them, and he was able to inspire huge audiences.
Developing your thinking
Listen to some of the speeches made by Mandela, and consider how they make you feel, and the ideas they convey. After you have listened to them, what do you remember about them? Compare to other speakers who are known for their ability to talk with this power - such as Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, and John F. Kennedy
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Thinking about ethics and human sciences
Knowledge questions
To what extent is it permissible to use 'immoral methods' to bring about 'moral ends'? Are we morally obliged to break the law when a government is acting against the best interests of the people? Who should decide when a government is acting immorally? Should foreign governments intervene?
Relating this to our real life situation
Mandela was jailed for 27 years for crimes the State of South Africa classified as 'terrorism'. Although he undoubtedly did use tactics that were designed to cause damage, there would be very few people who would say that what he did was 'immoral', given that the nation was governed by a group of people who were not interested in representing the interests of the vast majority of the people, and his actions were directed specifically at them.
Developing your thinking
Again, parallel this with other acts of resistance against oppressive states, such as resistance to imperialism both before and after World War II, resistance to Fascism during the Second World War, and Cold War resistance (against both the USSR and the USA). This, of course, leads us to the linguistic question of what constitutes 'terrorism' and what constitutes 'resistance' or 'freedom fighting'. Think also of what has been happening in states such as Syria recently. Should other countries intervene, and help the people who are resisting what they say is an oppressive government?
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Sources to consult
NBC have printed a story on 7 ways in which he changed the world.
The Johannesburg-based Mail and Guardian provide reactions from celebrities and other foreign leaders.
The Guardian features a story written by his wife, Graça Machel, on separating the man and the myth.
The Telegraph try to demonstrate how Mandela changed the course of history.
The New York Times talk about his 'long walk' to freedom and leadership, and the challenges he faced on the way.
The BBC remind us about the ethical context of his legacy, and the realities of Apartheid.
Al Jazeera focus on Mandela's skill of uniting people - even enemies.
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theoryofknowledge.net updates
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It's hard to follow up a story about the passing of one of the world's greatest ever leaders, but we'd like to take the opportunity to provide some updates about the theoryofknowledge.net site.
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