IS THERE A FUTURE FOR PHILOSOPHY AS A DISCIPLINE IN NIGERIA?

ABSTRACT

It is generally agreed  by philosophers that philosophy began as a result of man’s wonders and curiosity. Hence, this important discipline has been defined as the love of wisdom. It is also been referred to as man’s unending quest for knowledge.  The ancient or Pre-Socratic philosophers were first concerned with the universe. At this early stage some of the philosophers argued whether the earth was round or spherical, some argued for what basic elements constitute reality and the universe. Thus, philosophy at its birth can be said to be cosmocentric. However, when Socrates came on board, he shifted the attention of philosophy to focus on man’s wellbeing in the universe. Therefore, philosophy also became homocentric in nature and concerns. Philosophers became concerned with question of how man can live a good life in the society, man’s happiness and attainment of peaceful coexistence with his fellows in his society. Philosophy became concerned with the essence, existence and the place of man in the universe. As important as philosophy seems to be, so many people still doubt if deriving knowledge from the discipline can offer a promising and fulfilling future and career. For some,  they believed the discipline is not relevant and have nothing to add to one’s life. It is because of this false belief and other misconceptions that this paper sets out to give some expository understanding of philosophy and it relevance in today’s world. Thus, this paper confirms that there is a promising future for Philosophy as a discipline as well as for everyone who is trained in the field of Philosophy.