Philosophical Anthropology and The Concept of Human Nature in The Contemporary Society (Published)
The problem is that, in contemporary society in which we live, there seems to be a negligence in identifying what is in conformity with human nature than the contrary. The over-riding issue is “workability” whether good or bad, to the detriment of goodness (virtue). Analytically, this work sets out to underscore the fact that prior to the contemporary society, virtuous living thrived so much. It was observed that there was a shift from the ocentricism to secularism. Cultural infiltrations balked the long existing primordial cultures, diverting man’s attention to what is in vogue without any consideration to its incongruity to human nature. Therefore, for man to re-determine himself, there must be a counter-shift to virtuous living in tandem with his nature.
Keywords: Culture, Human nature, Morality, Religion., contemporary society
Jurisprudence and the Implications of Morality for Democracy in Nigeria from 2015 to 2020 (Published)
In 2015, a general election was conducted that led to the change of baton from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that pioneered the journey of the fourth republic which started in 1999. The change of baton brought in the All Progressive Congress (APC), a coalition of four different political parties representing different geopolitical region in Nigeria. As it is, the four political parties before the coalition had their own values which is a reflection of their moral and world outlook in a heterogeneous nation like Nigeria. The campaign slogan which was the basis of the contract of the political party with the masses was the need for change. A change that will guarantee socio-economic development, security of lives and property and justice for all. The expectation of the people was high on the assumption of office of the president in 2015 but the change promise has now been confirmed as a mirage. The objective of the study is to examine the implications of the application of the norms of morality in government in a heterogeneous state with diverse moral values like Nigeria. The study is doctrinal with data obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The study found out that the people and elected leaders were not on the same page as to the concept of change employed by the political party in government. The paper concluded that an elected president in Nigeria who is bound to emerge from one ethnic and religious background must shed the toga of personal morality and where norms of morality are to be employed in governance, the norms of public morality generally acceptable to the people should be employed.
Keywords: Democracy, Ethics, Jurisprudence, Morality, Security, norms
Parental Supervision: A Veritable Tool for Building Good Morals in Children (Published)
Most parents have derelicted in their duties of parenting especially in the area of supervision. They fail to realize that as parents, they have certain rights and responsibilities in the upbringing of their children. These behavioural patterns among some parents have affected most children and youths adversely as they tend to be ‘wild’ and morally bankrupt. This paper thus addresses the issue of proper parental supervision on their children and wards so as to train their children and build up good morals in them. It posited also that a morally sound person is the pride of his or her family, nation and by extension helps in the sustenance and development of the nation. Literatures reviewed amidst guided observations threw more light to the work. Suggestions were rendered on how parents, the government should help is seeing that children and youths are well supervised.
Keywords: Morality, Parents, Supervision, veritable
The Man Who Ate a Goose and 1984: A Critical Study of Two Plays on Totalitarian Practices (Published)
This paper considers the investigation of totalitarian practices dealt with in two contemporary plays, The Man Who Ate a Goose (1985) and 1984 (2013). Written and staged in two different cultures, both plays present ongoing strategies and commands imposed on people depriving them of privacy and free will. Whatever the span of time between the two plays, characters depicted seem to share common features. This study seeks to explore how real and good are those characters in their strife to conform to the despotic tyranny. Bewildered by the question of the right action, both Saad and Winston learn to accommodate with the obligatory illogical commands. If not acquitted by the law, the individual is led into inconsistency of moral conduct. Restrictions on dream and thought are rendered through detention and torture. Goerge Orwell’s 1984 seems to open new paths for dramatists and theatre practitioners in the world then and now.
Keywords: Free Will, Morality, Privacy, Torture, Totalitarianism
The Relationship between Religion and Morality: On Whether the Multiplicity of Religious Denominations Have Impacted Positively On Socio-Ethical Behavior (Published)
Morality until recently has been seen as a brainchild of religion and thus an essential part of religion from which it is inseparable. This assumption has even led some scholars to hold that there can be no morality without religion since morality is intrinsically a part of religion. It is therefore assumed that a religious person is essentially a moral person and that a moral life may not be possible without religion. If this assumption is upheld it will mean that with the multiplicity of major religious denominations the world will be a better place. Whether this is so is an issue that elicits fierce divergent views among scholars and people of various orientations. This works critically examines the relationship between religion and morality to determine whether the above claims and expectations are justified. Employing the philosophical tools of critical analysis, exposition and evaluation of facts experientially acquired as well as information from the works of researchers on the issues of religion and morality, the work examines whether there is a definitional relationship or connection between religion and morality and whether they are related through their concerns, preoccupations or constituent elements. This connection was not seen. The work further examined the opinions of scholars with regard to their relationship as well as what the consequences will be if ethics depends on religion. In trying to find out the root of the assumption the work critically examined the contentious issue of the impact of the multiplicity of religious denominations on socio-ethical behavior. In conclusion the work decried the lack of synergy between morality and religion, holding that though there may be no definitional connection between them and their concerns, preoccupations and constituent elements may differ, morality and religion are complimentary in forging a better society. If they synergize their efforts the world will be a better place.
Keywords: Morality, Religion., Religious Denominations, Socio-Ethical Behavior
THE LEGISLATURE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE (Published)
Controversy shrouds the role of Nigerian Legislature in national development. Though some believe that the legislature has contributed significantly to the development of the nation, many others are of the view that since from its inception as a sovereign state legislature in Nigeria has not shown a significant and genuine commitment to the social, economic and political wellbeing of the country. This work assesses the role of Nigerian legislature in national development. The work is of the view that legislature is a veritable instrument and institution for national development whose effectiveness is determined by some local variables. The descriptive-diachronic methodology was used in comprehending and interpreting the role of the legislature in national development. For Nigerian legislature to be instrument of national development, the work suggests among others the need for moral politicians.
Keywords: Corruption, Development, Legislature, Morality
Religion and Morality in Ghana: A Reflection (Published)
Several scholars have written extensively on religion and morality. These works generally try to answer the question of what determines morality. Whiles some scholars strongly maintain that religion is the determinant of morality, some are sceptical and others do not accept such stance. Such discourse has found its way into African ethics with views from the west and among some Africans who maintain that the morality of Africans is religious base. In joining this debate however, this paper sets out to revisit the views articulated by scholars on the question of the determinant of morality and to find out whether religion determines the morality of Ghanaians. The paper concludes that religion determines the morality of Ghanaians.