GADAMER’S FUSION OF HORIZON: A PANACEA FOR TOLERABLE CO-EXISTENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper searches for a solution to the high level of intolerance among Nigerians and in the Nigerian Nation. Nigeria as a multi-cultural and pluralistic society has been faced with so many ethnic challenges, uncountable religious fights and multiple tribal killings. Every tribe is prejudiced against the other. People from one tribe tend to see people of other tribes as second class citizens. Intolerance has remained on the increase because we have refused to go beyond our ethnic prejudices against one another. Thus, Nigeria is more divided now than ever before. These challenges have resulted into untold hardships, loss of loved ones, denial of merited opportunities and so forth to many Nigerians. This paper is an application of Gadamer’s fusion of horizon as a model to solving the high level of intolerance among the various ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria. By textual analysis, it highlights the centrality of the principles of reciprocity, equality and mutuality in creating an open-minded and tolerant society.