The Role of Philosophy in Addressing Governance and Integrity in Africa

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

Most African states are embroiled in internal conflicts, corruption, poor governance and lack of accountability. Some authors attribute the genesis of these problems to independence, when these states were searching for a new identity as nation-states. They were generally poor, predominantly rural and over-dependent on the vagaries of the world market. The inherited institutions were weak, the private sector was underdeveloped and therefore the state had to assume a major entrepreneurial role. Additionally, power was centralized in a single party and personalized in the hands of the party leader, who became state president, and this carried the danger of succession crisis. Authoritarianism, coupled with lack of accountability and transparency, and with corruption as well as political manipulation, which are features of the patronage politics, have prevailed in African politics since independence. Further, the literacy levels among the populace are low and as such, the masses are easily manipulated by the political leaders through propaganda. These weaknesses in governance have provided the political leaders and state personnel with opportunities to abuse their office, enrich themselves and benefit their supporters. In Kenya and Malawi, for instance, corruption has been perfected by crafty government officials and local rent-seeking software merchants by manipulating an accounting package referred to asIntegrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). These are done without citizen's realization because of their lack of efficiency and rigor in reasoning which are needed techniques and experiences gained from a formal study of philosophy. An examination of these circumstances leads one to see the importance of philosophy as it inculcates the habit of autonomous thought, which in turn plays a vital role in promoting democratic processes, because citizens will be able to see through the propaganda and lies peddled by the political class. In today's world, there is a common conception that philosophy is not relevant because it does not contribute to the economic, social and any other aspects of life. However, its rational and critical nature justifies the need for its introduction in the education sector at an earlier age, like high school or at secondary level of education. This is because the study of philosophy will enhance one's ability to: think, speak and communicate clearly and critically, form original and creative solutions to problems, develop reasoned arguments for ones' own views, analyze complex issues, investigate difficult questions in a persistent and systematic manner and to appreciate the vision of the truth, and nothing but objective truth. Philosophy can also enable one to analyze and criticize public policies and governance, making choices which are geared towards making states being stable. All these are benefits of infusing philosophy in schools and institution of higher learning. These skills if they are owned by the citizens from an early age, will then make them hold any government accountable in dealing with public resources, thus leading to equal distribution of resources and doing justice to all Africans. Philosophy therefore is needed as a torch of mind to guide Africans, to elect good leaders, keep these leaders in check and ensure accountability and make sure that justice is served to all.