Towards Epistemic Foundations of Democracy: An Inquiry

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate dynamics of democracy by exploring the epistemic foundations of Democracy. This is driven by the philosophical pursuit of discerning tangible obstacles to democratic governance, aiming to situate the fundamental factors that persistently impede democratic governance. The presupposition underlying this inquiry is that the challenges faced by certain democracies, particularly in Africa, stem from the inconsistency of these democracies with the foundational epistemic principles of democracy. Drawing insights from Howard Sankey's nuanced notions of objectivity and Vicki Jackson's advocacy for these principles in democracy, the study examines their interconnectedness and fundamental role in shaping democratic systems. Objectivity, as an epistemic principle, is scrutinized for its capacity to guide rational and evidence-based decision-making, acknowledging its challenges while emphasizing its importance in achieving accurate understandings of realities. The paper also scrutinizes decentralization, extending beyond its political dimension to focus on sustaining decentralized sources of knowledge. Vicki Jackson's proposition for diverse knowledge institutions, including universities, research centres, and the free press, as integral components of constitutional democracies, is explored. The paper concludes by underscoring the significance of these epistemic foundations and knowledge institutions in upholding the integrity, legitimacy, and effectiveness of democratic systems. This research aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of these principles, particularly within the nations’ context, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping democratic governance and knowledge ecosystems.