NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES

An Evaluation of Jurgen Habermas' Concept of the Public Sphere, the Pathology of Power and its Implication for African Politics

J Chidozie Chukwuokolo,, Jictor O Jeko Ph.D — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:03:30 +0000

he problems of contemporary human society are the problems of social exclusivity, distorted social system and social relations. Habermas's concept of the public sphere is still alive and well in the twenty-first T century. Of particular contemporary interest to us is the contextualization of the public sphere as the rationalization of social category The concept emphasizes the importance of law and socio-political order. The concept of the public sphere ought to be a realm of freedom, permanence and the realm of political participation which has become of great intellectual concern to scholars in the contemporary world. This paper adopts the analytical framework in navigating through the murky waters of social exclusivity, social relations and social system in African politics. The concept of the public sphere and its re-orientation to African politics and Nigerian democratic agenda reveals the contemporary ailment-political logjam in African democracy. Unfortunately though, the Nigerian state is in want of an authentic leadership philosophy that will strengthen democratic institutions and establish a nation worth living in and dying for. This paper, therefore, calls for a re-orientation of African politics and democratic agenda in Nigerian politics. It aims at re addressing contextual issues surrounding African politics and the democratic agenda in Nigerian politics caused by lack of principled, ethical leadership, accountability, and transparency. The paper, concludes that the lessons and implications of the Habermasian tradition of the public sphere evokes the need for public debate for the sake of mutual interests and common good in contemporary democratic citizenship. The public sphere should reflect the need for a discursive formation of the will of private persons

An Epistemic Reflection on David Hume's Notion of the Self

Ogaba, Solomon Isenyo — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:06:03 +0000

e hear people talk about the self as referring to an enduring existent entity amidst series of changes in an individual over time. Whether such an enduring self truly exists, has become a subject of serious W debate amongst philosophers of mind.This debate in philosophy of mind is known as the problem of personal identity. David Hume is one philosopher who is opposed to the fact that, there is any thing called the self, rather, what we perceive or could perceive are nothing but bundles or chains of perceptions to impressions. Hence, the need for a critical reflection on Hume's Theory of the Self cannot be overemphasized. This paper adopted the philosophical method of exposition critical analysis of terms and argumentation to ensuring balanced and logical presentation of ideas. The paper uncovered that Hume was right to an extent that it will take an infinite regress to attempt to establish a position for the existence of self (personal identity) amidst changes over a long period of time. However, the paper concluded that, with the various criticism levelled against Hume's notion of the self, shows that there exists a self (personal identity) which is difficult to establish objectively, but exist as a particular inherent in a universal

Polygyny: A Denigration of Gender Equality in Africa

Celestine Edozie Anyaorah — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:07:29 +0000

olygyny is the marriage of one male with more than one female. It is very trite that women are considered as the gender of fragility and emotions. These conceptions are deeper in many parts of Africa. The P female gender is viewed as one devoid of authority, dominance, and power. These views about women are from time immemorialIn some cultures and religions with ideological fundamentalism, women are not allowed to appear in public and to sit together publicly with men. In some places in Africa, men do not need the consent of their wives in order to marry new ones. In this regard, women become victims of capricious decisions of the man. Unfortunately, the idea of polyandry, the opposite of polygyny, is considered totally unworkable, and even unthinkable. The main objective of this paper is to analyse the concept of polygyny as a denigration of gender equality in Africa. The problem that warrants this research is that polygyny, in all its ramifications, tends to promote gender inequality owing to the fact that in many cultures, men are still allowed to have many wives. This fosters power imbalance in the relationships where women have limited power to make critical decisions even in matters that concern them. The analytical research method has been adopted. Finally, this paper submits that though the problem of polygyny is complex, approaches like societal legal reforms, women's empowerment and so on can go a long way in addressing the issue

Algorithmic Ontology And Simulated Reality: Examining The Philosophical Implications

Fasiku, Gbenga Cornelius PhD, Adejoh, Mark, Suleiman, Jibrin — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:10:05 +0000

he developments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have brought not only technological innovations but also philosophical questions concerning the nature of reality and existence. This paper therefore takes a cursory T look into the ontology of algorithms and AI systems, focusing on how these technological entities influence our understanding of reality and the simulation hypothesisBy examining the simulation hypothesis i.e., the idea that our reality may be an artificial simulation created by advanced beings, this study investigates the philosophical implications of AI's increasing presence in shaping perceptions of existence. Using the philosophical method of analysis, the paper draws on the relationship between algorithms and ontological constructs, questioning whether the simulated environments built by AI can challenge or redefine the boundaries of what we consider real. The paper further looks into how AI systems, through their capacity for simulation, mirror or distort the fundamental nature of reality, raising profound questions about epistemology and metaphysics in the digital age. The paper concludes that, the potential for creating conscious AI or entities with emergent properties within these simulations demands a reevaluation of our moral obligations toward these entities, challenging current ethical standards and pushing the boundaries of scientific responsibility

Metaphysics of the Means-End Continuum and Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria

Cyril Emeka Ejike — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:11:35 +0000

n this paper, I demonstrate how electoral malpractices in Nigeria violate logical principles as well as the principle of finality. A growing trend in electoral malpractices in Nigeria is that elections are mostly allowed to be I held seamlessly and peacefully up to the counting and declaration of results at polling units, whereas the results are subsequently falsified or doctored during their collation and declaration at wards, in local government areas and/or states. I argue that the falsification of results of successful polls at polling units during their collation and declaration at wards, in local government areas, or states is a disruption of the means-end continuum, a violation of logical principles and the principle of finality upon which the natural (moral) and physical laws are premised. I conclude that the principle of finality and the idea of the means-end continuum which enunciate that the end (outcome of an election) must necessarily and logically follow from the means (electoral processes/procedures) determined by, and directed towards, the end should be taken into consideration by judges adjudicating electoral cases in Nigeria

The Search for Stability and Development in Nigeria: Highlights of Some Critical Factors

Stephen Azubuike Oguji — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:13:01 +0000

ainst the backdrop of instability, underdevelopment and collapsing economy in Nigeria, this paper, explores the ways and means of ensuring stability in the country. Five key areas are identified and A examined as critical, urgent, and fundamental to the much sought-after stability and development First is the need to evolve a nall inclusive socio-political process, power sharing formula and a leadership recruitment process that will guarantee peace and stability. Second is the importance of quality education which is an important tool for mobilization of the citizenry who will drive the collective responsibility of social engineering. Value reorientation, research, planning and proper management of public resources are also considered as critical to push the Nigerian reawakening agenda. The paper adopts expository and critical methods. Procedurally, after providing the background for its point of departure and painting a picture of the current hopelessness and frustrations in Nigeria, the paper highlighted the critical factors that must be addressed to achieve the desired stability and development.

The Numerical Value of Belief and The Notion of Truth: An Exposition of Frank Ramsey's Epistemology

Jov Abraham Akpen PhD, Benedict Michael PhD — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:16:09 +0000

he human need for knowledge and the proposition that knowledge is Justified True Belief form the background to this work. Knowledge is propositionally defined as Justified Truth, Belief, while belief and truth T in the definition is identified as objects of epistemological investigation. This study examined to what extent does belief relates to truth and in such a way that results of form the basis knowledge? The paper examines Ramsey's response, a response that predate the question. Ramsey in his epistemology, attempted to establish the relationship between truth and belief and how the relationship leads to knowledge. In doing this, paper adopts the analytic method to examine original works of Ramsey, related books, printed journal articles, and online sources were used. The study shows that belief has partial numerical value, which can be complemented by an action or the propensity to act. Truth on the other hand results from the action or the propensity to act at the instance of belief. In repeated successful actions, a consistent good result becomes a reliable case of knowledge. In such case, reliability resolves the challenges of justification in the prevailing context. Hence knowledge is not justified true belief but, most appropriately, reliable true belief

A Philosophical Outlook on the Role of Civic Virtue in Democratic Societies

Odumegwu Andy Chukwuemeka — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:18:08 +0000

Democratic societies are built on a solid foundation of civic virtue to maintain stability and promote justice. This article explores the concept of civic virtue, outlining its historical evolution from

classical to modern thought, and examines its critical role in supporting democratic governance.The study addresses the problem of declining civic engagement and growing political polarization, which threaten the stability of democratic institutions. Using a qualitative approach, the article analyses key components of civic virtue (such as civic engagement, social responsibility, and respect for diversity) and evaluates their contribution to democracy. The findings reveal that these elements are essential to fostering a politically engaged and cohesive society, yet they face significant challenges in contemporary contexts, including political apathy, partisan divisions, and media influence. The article concludes by highlighting the need to cultivate civic virtue as an essential framework for strengthening democratic values, improving institutional resilience, and promoting social equity

Karol Wojtyla's Morality of the Acting Person for Integral Humanised World

Philip Osarobu Isanbor, Nnabugwu Chinedu Samuel — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:19:52 +0000

The paper analyses the ultimate goal of human actions and choices for the realisation of Integral Humanism. It is a philosophy that cannot exclude God in the societal pursuits of peace and justice for the purpose

of achieving integral humanised world. It direct that the philosophy as specified and postulated by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) with his phenomenology of the Acting Personis about the fulfilment of the whole person and of every person through the values and operations of responsive and responsible actions and choices. The paper posits that the world is experiencing the effects of narrow humanism in the names of moral misguided and universalistic civilization. Such concern indicates that such humanism has been closed-in on itself and not opened to the values of God's presence in human affairs. It is recognised that integral humanism could achieve apparent, responsible and meaningful successes and fulfilment when the human persons can position some organizing terrestrial realities of values with God in reference to the Otherness of Living. Adopting phenomenological method of analysis, the concludes that, following Wojtyla's phenomenology of the Acting Person and its morality which are based on the otherness of Living, the realisation and sustenance of the courses of integral humanism remain very possible when one's actions and choices are responsibly point towards God and acknowledges the tasks on which we are called “humans” with all sense of rationality and reasonability. Especially reflecting and acting towards the respect, promotion and protection of the values of otherness of living.

John Dewey's Pragmatism: A Catalyst for Educational Development in Nigeria

Towolawi Samson Anuoluwapo — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:21:11 +0000

Education helps in the development of any nation. The approach of the average contemporary Nigerian to education does not really portray the aim of education and its importance. The contemporary Nigerian

education system tends to define education as a means of acquiring certificate in order to earnn money for living but this is not the essence of education and this gives people a wrong mentality about school. School in this sense, is seen as a place where certificate is being given and not where knowledge is gained for an end to the problem of the society. This mentality has brought about dysfunctionality in Nigeria's educational system. This dysfunctionality has become a source of worry to many Nigerians as education system has failed to address the issues in the nation’s life. All these are against the thought of John Dewey who sees education as the only way of redeeming the society. Hence, the ideas of Dewey are not outdated. They are still relevant to the present time. The purpose of this paper is to apply John Dewey's pragmatism to Nigeria's educational system. The method of research adopted in this research is critical and analytic. The study reveals that Dewey's ideas resonate profoundly with the current challenges and opportunities facing education in contemporary Nigerian society. The study concluded that the Nigerian education system should prioritize practicality and underscore the development of students' social problem-solving abilities

Women Issues and Equality in the Public Sphere: The Nigerian Experience

Omam Pat Agboro — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:22:48 +0000

It is often taken for granted that women are becoming increasingly influential in contemporary society. This position is apparently supported by the visibility of women in the academic, corporate and political arena.

However, this paper contends however that the seemingly rise of the influence of women is only apparent and cosmetic . This is so because the rise in the number of women operating in the traditionally male dominated public sphere does not necessarily translate to decisive influence on the content, process and outcome of public policy.This paper seeks to illuminate the juxtaposition of women's growing visibility with their systemic powerlessness in Nigeria by critically examining the role that gender plays in the deliberations and dialogues in the public sphere. Taking its departure from Nancy Fraser and other feminist critique of Habermas' emphasis on the role of rationality as the modus operandi in the public sphere, the paper demonstrates how the operational norm of the latter excludes women from exerting the level of control that correspond to their improved presence in the public space. Beyond this, certain powerful cultural barriers which define social expectation about the proper role of women in the public space are highlighted.In conclusion, the paper argues that the prominence given to women issues and the deliberate policy to increase the number of women in the public realm does not necessarily translate to women empowerment. Rather, it is in keeping with the current vogue in western societies

Andrew F. Uduigwomen’s Footmarks on African Philosophy: A Critical Review

Aloysius O. Dimgba — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:24:46 +0000

The 166 paged book titled Footmarks on African Philosophy is a thematic summation of the constitutive elements of African Philosophy. The author dedicated it to all his students, past and present.

The book is sufficiently insightful in revealing the arguments that raged about the nature and development of African Philosophy from its inception. It presents a lucid understanding of the various perceptions and methodologies African Philosophers and Philosophers in Africa had about the African world and African reality. Thus, the author is successful in presenting in a single text a detailed and readable summary of a text that captured the various arguments and counter arguments that heralded the practice and teaching of African Philosophy. In almost three decades of its publication, the book has remained relevant in providing a summary guide to both Philosophy teachers and students and the general public in understanding the conceptions and methodologies that helped in moulding and establishing African philosophic enterprise