KARL POPPER'S CRITICAL RATIONALISM AND THE QUEST FOR TRUE DEMOCRACY

Abstract

This paper evaluates the relevance of Karl Popper's critical rationalism to the realization of true democratic practice in political society. As a country, Nigeria presumably operates a political process that is democratic in nature. However, since inception, the practice of democracy in the country has persistently indicated different emerging traits and culture of authoritarianism, which is not only antithetical to the values of democracy, but also indicates the lack of adequate understanding of the true meaning and essence of democracy as a political ideology. This, therefore, underpins the lack of developmental processes inherent in true democracy in the country. Popper's critical philosophy or critical rationalismopens everything to revision for better truth which would lead to better understanding of concepts and issues in all ramications. Thus, the adoption of this process in Nigeria's political space will provide for critical analysis of democracy as a political ideology in particular and various political policies in general. This will enhance the country's democratic practice, growth and development. The work employs the analytical and critical methods of philosophical enquiry.