Philosophy: The Lynchpin of Scientism (Published)
The intellectual legacies of Bacon and Descartes, as well as the Newtonian scientific tradition undoubtedly brought about an era of natural scientific research anchoring its ideal on objectivity that led to scientism. This hyper-belief in science and the subjugation of philosophy (and other sources of knowledge) has given rise to a complex scenario and gap, created by the inability of science to address other cosmic issues including metaphysical ones. The hegemony of science which mostly derives from the dominance of science in economic and social fields owing to its technological progress and advancements, has created problems that threaten man and morality. The issue is, is science still interested in the good of man if his existence and morality are jeopardized? Is the claim for the sole mantle of rationality by scientism, and the equation of science with reason itself still valid, given the multifarious irrational scientific productions against life like abortion pills, weapons of mass destruction, etc? Has science solved and answered all problems? Is it a perfect discipline and the only source of knowledge? It is against this backdrop that this paper, through expository and critical analysis unveiled the ambiguity, complexity, and illogicality of this scientific claim for superiority (scientism), concluding that science is not superior, and not the only way of knowing reality, but mainly engages itself in proffering solutions to the hydra-headed problems of the physical world which is a part in a whole. Philosophy still reigns supreme and goes deeper to guide and checkmate the excesses of science in order to strike a balance, and unravel metaphysical realities that are beyond the scope of science.
Keywords: Man, Philosophy, Science, scientism, universe.
The Existentialist “Inter-Subjectivity” And The Problem of “Other’: A Philosophical Approach to Politics of Recognition (Published)
Humans are ontologically positioned to interact with one another in order to satisfy the essential conditions of humanity individually and collectively. It is the extent and the nature of the relationships among human beings that defines the civilization of each age. However, the inevitable interactions among human beings as conscious beings provide the medium for conflicts, tensions and crises among individuals and social groups within the society. The history of philosophy has been occupied with rigorous analytical and speculative exercises to unravel the foundation of the suspicious antagonisms between individuals and groups. At the same time, attempts have been made in philosophy to establish a metaphysical or spiritual justification for the reconciliation of the ‘self’ and other’ and ultimately promote mutual respect and recognition of both. Existentialism is a philosophical orientation that has been predominant in this project. This paper, through analysis of existing discourse, attempts therefore, to critically examine the existentialist concept of intersubjectivity as a viable philosophical approach to the politics of recognition and present it as a theoretical framework for peaceful cohabitation of individuals and groups of diverse worldviews.
Citation: Adekeye D.O. (2023) The Existentialist “Inter-Subjectivity” And The Problem of “Other’: A Philosophical Approach to Politics of Recognition, International Journal of History and Philosophical Research, Vol.11, No.1, pp.18-33
Keywords: Existentialism, Philosophy, Politics, Recognition, intersubjectivity
Religious Philosophy of Tipu Sultan (Published)
The religious philosophy of Tipu Sultan has not been examined in a truthful and objective manner by the historians who have developed caste based prejudices in India. Tipu was a great patron of Hindu religion and provided financial assistance to several Hindu and other religious institutions and activities. He recruited a good number of Hindu officials to manage the revenue, defence and other branches of administration. He carried out the administration of Mysore state with due respect to nationalism and secularism. Several Hindu scholars have observed that Tipu had endeavored his best for the unity of the Muslims and the Hindus. He had used the state power for social reforms. He carried out social reformation on the basis of humanity and rationality. There are several historical evidences which prove that Tipu had tolerated the practice of Hindu religion within his own territory and became popular with all his subjects. Tipu’s religious policy assumes great significance in the present times since the ruling class has posed series of threats to secularism, pluralism, humanism and other values of life.
Keywords: Humanism, Philosophy, Pluralism, Religious, Secularism
The Metaphysical and Epistemological Relevance of Ifa Corpus (Published)
The focus of this paper is not to ascertain the reality of Ifa among the Yoruba, but to examine the philosophical relevance of Ifa corpus from epistemological and metaphysical points of view. The paper employs a critical and analytical methods to expose various philosophical issues in Ifa corpus. The paper argues that the metaphysical and epistemological relevance of Ifa corpus is enormous and the effect is fundamental in showing that true knowledge can be acquired through the empirical and transcendental means. The ability of Ifa corpus in this regard underscore the traditional claim of existence of basic relationship between epistemology and metaphysics.
Keywords: Epistemology, Ifa corpus, Metaphysics, Philosophy, Yoruba tradition