MAN, SOCIETY AND THE QUESTION OF SOCIAL ORDER IN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper is a critical analysis and reflection of the various concepts involved in our contemporary society more generally in regards to African development. It takes a critical look at certain fundamental questions that revolve round the concepts and subject matters of man, society and social order in an attempt to see how they promote societal development. Given cognizance to the fact that human ultimate action in life tends toward self satisfaction which is happiness as well as good life, however the attainment of good life prompts some philosophical questions such as, what is the nature of man? What is society? What is meant by social order? What is the relationship among the three concepts?How can social order bring about development in Africa? These and other issues are to be critically considered in this article. It is an accepted fact that a philosophical discourse, essentially, entails the clarification of concepts. It is this requirement that this paper attempts to meet.