WILLIAM JAMES’ PRAGMATIC THEORY OF TRUTH: A HERMENEUTIC OF THE POLITICS OF DECIET IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Truth seems to be an undervalued quantity in Nigeria’s sociopolitical space. Politicking in Nigeria is, therefore, bedeviled by a fearsome manner of dishonesty. The main political actors themselves- the politicians are viewed as men of questionable repute because of the prevalent notion that politicians are gullible, cunning and untruthful; hence the aphorism, ‘Politics is a dirty game.’ What is the place of truth as a moral virtue in the Nigerian political space? Is Nigerian politics incompatible with moral probity? This article sought answers to the above questions through the study of James’ pragmatic doctrine on truth. In spite of the notable shortcomings of James’ postulations, the article finds some reputable elements in his notion of truth that could serve as curative to the culture of deceit in the Nigerian political space. It suggests that if Nigerians, both the elite and proletariat class, could adopt James’ pragmatic approach of viewing reality, the bulk of the vices that have shortchanged Nigeria of the desired progress would be surmounted.