Scientific scepticism, fundamentally, questions the veracity and epistemic value of
claims not su... more Scientific scepticism, fundamentally, questions the veracity and epistemic value of claims not supported by scientific evidence. Motivated by the assumption that only the empirical investigation of reality leads to the truth, the scientific sceptics often maintain that only scientific method is best suited for this purpose. Claims found to be wanting in scientific evidence are considered untrue, and of little or no epistemic consequence. Using the analytical and critical methods, this paper interrogates this epistemic criterion of justification of scientific scepticism. It shows the inherent epistemic deficits in this criterion of the scientific sceptics, and how absolutizing its demands in such a manner as to undermine the veracity and epistemic significance of claims outside the mainstream discipline of science is not only to entrap themselves in many epistemic burdens, but also to sink under the unsavoury weight of criteriological egocentrism, detrimental to cognitive progress. As a credible alternative, this paper explores the epistemic fecundity of contextualistic pluralism – the pluralism of contextually underwritten cognitive positions – in truth and knowledge justification. It concludes with the relevance of this approach in epistemic justification as evident in its inclusive nature as well as its shift of the focus of philosophical thinking from identity to diversity in an interculturality society.
Contemporary African epistemologists share a common commitment to promotea conception of knowledg... more Contemporary African epistemologists share a common commitment to promotea conception of knowledge that reflects the African cultural background and collective experience. However, they differ over the basic nature of justification in African epistemology. The challenge which centres on the Internalist-Externalist debateis that of deciding whether the factors by virtue of which beliefs acquire the status of being epistemically justified in African epistemology are internal or external to the African. With no possible resolution in sight, the intense intellectual scuffles generatedby the debatetend to heighten the division between sympathizers of eachperspective among contemporary African epistemologists. In view of resolving this seeming impasse, this paper advances reasonsto enhance the appreciation of the centrality of externalismin African epistemology. It rejects internalism as incompatible with justification in African epistemology, given the contextdependent and social nature of knowledge in African epistemology, where the role of the community is central in epistemic practices.The analytic, expository and critical methods of research are adopted in the paper.
For the positivists, religion is incapable of providing man with knowledge because religious beli... more For the positivists, religion is incapable of providing man with knowledge because religious beliefs do not meet the evidential criteria of empirical verification. This assumption has greatly fuelled the present surging tendency to reject religion as epistemologically irrelevant for man. To countervail such sceptical supposition, this Paper argues for the knowledge-productive capacity of religion, whose beliefs are considered justifiable within the “issue-context” and through demonstrable faith protocol. It maintains that, justification is always relative to an audience; hence, to preach scepticism a duty until “sufficient empirical or scientific evidence” for religious beliefs is found – as the positivists do – is a “categorical mistake”. Keywords: Religious, Scepticism, Positivism, Categorical Mistake Epistemo Justification
International journal of social science and economic research, 2023
Perhaps, nothing sums up the myriads of problems confronting Nigeria as the challenge of nation-b... more Perhaps, nothing sums up the myriads of problems confronting Nigeria as the challenge of nation-building. Decades after independence, Nigeria remains no more than a mere geographical territory with citizens bound together only by a common history and currency. Building a sense of nationhood where national integration and development are key features, has been a difficult challenge for the country currently hewed into smithereens by bitter ethno-religious rivalries, politics of ethnic domination, protests and agitations against political and economic exclusion and separatists' agitations for self-determination. Given their significance to national development, this paper examines the various ways philosophers can contribute to the process of nation-building in Nigeria through their profession. The paper adopts the analytic and critical methods of research. It concludes with the view that philosophers, trained in critical and reflective thinking to address social and political issues, have a vital role to play in nationbuilding through effective mental and moral formations of the citizens.
World Journal Of Advanced Research and Reviews, May 30, 2023
In their quest to refute the sceptics’ challenge to the possibility of knowledge, epistemologists... more In their quest to refute the sceptics’ challenge to the possibility of knowledge, epistemologists have over the years strived to demonstrate how our beliefs can be appropriately justified. This paper critically examines two of these traditional or anti-sceptical theories of justification, namely: Foundationalism and Coherentism, as well as three famous post-Gettier theories of justification: Reliability, Defeasibility and Causal theories. Notwithstanding their relevant contributions in clarifying the conditions for the justification of knowledge, the paper argues that none of these theories attains the requirements of rational success without vulnerability to the sceptics’ challenge, since each is nettled with some identified epistemic defects, especially due to their emphasis on a single and fixed idea of rational justification – with preference for formal adequacy over functional efficacy of knowledge claim in human inquiry. As a way forward, the paper argues for epistemic justification in a functionalistic framework and concludes with the positive recommendation of this perspective as a more viable alternative approach to epistemic justification. The expository and critical methods of philosophical analysis are adopted in the work.
Better known as Averroes, Ibn Rushd remains one of the greatest Islamic philosophical geniuses of... more Better known as Averroes, Ibn Rushd remains one of the greatest Islamic philosophical geniuses of all times. The unparalleled inventiveness of his mind and the "audacity" of his methods are evident in many of his innovative philosophical activities, which tremendously stirred the minds of his contemporaries in the Middle Ages. Perhaps only a few would deny the far-reaching impacts of his profound philosophical activities and ideas on Western philosophy. Prominent among these are his unique status as a paramount guide to Aristotle, based on his influential and massive commentaries on Aristotle, and his strong arguments for the compatibility of philosophy with religion. These and more, have since established the depth of his ideas and his lasting relevance in Western philosophy history. This paper undertakes an exposition of his philosophical activities, to identify the impacts of his enduring legacies on Western philosophy. The expository and hermeneutical methods of analysis are adopted.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Mar 30, 2023
Analysis has been at the heart of philosophical method, though it has been understood and practic... more Analysis has been at the heart of philosophical method, though it has been understood and practiced in many different ways. This paper traces the historical conceptions of analysis in the analytic philosophical history, identified as: the Regressive Analysis, the Decompositional Analysis, and the Interpretative analysis. The key characteristic features and methodological approaches of each of these conceptions of analysis, as well as their relative era of historical significance, are explored in the paper. It concludes with the view that notwithstanding some objections against it, philosophical analysis is largely a fruitful method of philosophical inquiry, whose role in contributing to man's better comprehension of reality remains highly significant and desired in our contemporary age. The expository and analytic methods of research are adopted in the paper.
International journal of scientific research and management, Feb 23, 2022
Perhaps the most influential proposals in the recent literature on the problem of truth in episte... more Perhaps the most influential proposals in the recent literature on the problem of truth in epistemology is Rescher"s version of the coherence theory of truth. Daring to save the theory from sinking under the weights of traditional criticisms, Rescher adopts an approach that differs significantly from the traditional way of presenting the theory: He departs from the traditional definitional emphasis to the criterial route of determining truth under coherence considerations. He also advances the process of validating coherence on pragmatic grounds. Adopting the expository, analytic and critical approaches of study, this paper takes a critical look at Rescher"s rebranded version of the theory. It concludes with the view that, though Rescher"s theory exhibits some epistemic merits, certain identified inherent cognitive problems tend to militate against its rational success in adequately justifying the coherence theory and its viability in resolving the problem of truth in epistemology.
International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2021
One of the most influential proposals in recent literature on the epistemology of religious belie... more One of the most influential proposals in recent literature on the epistemology of religious beliefs has been Alvin Plantinga's reformed epistemology and anti-evidentialist contention, that religious beliefs are properly basic, and so, require no evidence for their justification. Claiming sufficient analogies between perceptual and religious experiences, Plantingaargues for an antievidentialist model for the justification of religious beliefs, which he says, are properly basic. Taking a criticallylook at Plantinga's arguments, this paper notes his commitment to epistemological internalism as the major challenge to the credibility of his thought.It advocates for epistemological externalism implicit in Haack's Foundherentistism, instead, as a better option in making reformed epistemology less susceptible to the evidentialist challenge. The analytic and critical methods of study are adopted.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2021
In our age of huge ecological crisis and colossal consequences for humanity and the earth system,... more In our age of huge ecological crisis and colossal consequences for humanity and the earth system, occasioned by man's ill-exploitation of the earth's resources, this paper argues that the root of our ecological crisis is in the spiritual deficit of the modern man, which informs man's attendant exploitative approach to nature. Thus, in the light of the contemporary search for remedy through ecological spirituality, the paper calls for spiritual renaissance of Africans through the re-sacralization of their worldview in line with the traditional African Eco-spirituality, to save the African continent from ecological collapse. For this aim, the paper explores the concept of African eco-spirituality and appeals to its valuable potential in addressing the present ecological crisis and ensuring a sustainable ecological management and protection in Africa. The hermeneutical, speculative and prescriptive methods of research are adopted in the paper.
The paper discusses the challenges of democratization in Africa. It considers the idea of democra... more The paper discusses the challenges of democratization in Africa. It considers the idea of democracy as a universal one, rather than an exclusive preserve of the West. However, it regards the attempt to foist the western liberal type of democracy on Africa as an ideological factor in contemporary African cultural dislocation by the West. It attributes the failure of this democracy in Africa, as manifested in the rampant political instability and bad governance, to the system’s neglect of the cultural roots of the African people. It calls for the revival and creative exploitation of valuable assets from the indigenous African democratic culture for the construction of authentic paradigm of democracy relevant to the conditions of Africa in the contemporary world. The paper concludes with the caveat that democracy in Africa may not succeed until such cultural adaptation is done.
Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an en... more Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an enduring relevance in western philosophy history. With his ideas leveraging most Modern and Contemporary philosophical systems, his significance in western philosophical thought cannot be over-emphasized. To enunciate this with evidential supports, this Paper reviews some of Augustine’s thoughts that have remained influential in western philosophy. The paper adopts the descriptive and analytic research method. Keywords— Medieval, Divine Illumination, Privation, Time, Just War INTRODUCTION Saint Augustine (also known as Augustine of Hippo), was perhaps the greatest philosopher of the Medieval Antiquity and certainly, one who exerted the deepest and most lasting influence. In fact, “in order to understand the currents of thought in the Middles Ages, a knowledge of Augustinianism is essential” (Copleston, 1962, p. 40). However, Augustine’s significance in Western Philosophy tradition extends ...
United International Journal for Research & Technology, 2021
Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an en... more Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an enduring relevance in western philosophy history. With his ideas leveraging most Modern and Contemporary philosophical systems, his significance in western philosophical thought cannot be overemphasized. To enunciate this with evidential supports, this Paper reviews some of Augustine's thoughts that have remained influential in western philosophy. The paper adopts the descriptive and analytic research method.
Scientific scepticism, fundamentally, questions the veracity and epistemic value of
claims not su... more Scientific scepticism, fundamentally, questions the veracity and epistemic value of claims not supported by scientific evidence. Motivated by the assumption that only the empirical investigation of reality leads to the truth, the scientific sceptics often maintain that only scientific method is best suited for this purpose. Claims found to be wanting in scientific evidence are considered untrue, and of little or no epistemic consequence. Using the analytical and critical methods, this paper interrogates this epistemic criterion of justification of scientific scepticism. It shows the inherent epistemic deficits in this criterion of the scientific sceptics, and how absolutizing its demands in such a manner as to undermine the veracity and epistemic significance of claims outside the mainstream discipline of science is not only to entrap themselves in many epistemic burdens, but also to sink under the unsavoury weight of criteriological egocentrism, detrimental to cognitive progress. As a credible alternative, this paper explores the epistemic fecundity of contextualistic pluralism – the pluralism of contextually underwritten cognitive positions – in truth and knowledge justification. It concludes with the relevance of this approach in epistemic justification as evident in its inclusive nature as well as its shift of the focus of philosophical thinking from identity to diversity in an interculturality society.
Contemporary African epistemologists share a common commitment to promotea conception of knowledg... more Contemporary African epistemologists share a common commitment to promotea conception of knowledge that reflects the African cultural background and collective experience. However, they differ over the basic nature of justification in African epistemology. The challenge which centres on the Internalist-Externalist debateis that of deciding whether the factors by virtue of which beliefs acquire the status of being epistemically justified in African epistemology are internal or external to the African. With no possible resolution in sight, the intense intellectual scuffles generatedby the debatetend to heighten the division between sympathizers of eachperspective among contemporary African epistemologists. In view of resolving this seeming impasse, this paper advances reasonsto enhance the appreciation of the centrality of externalismin African epistemology. It rejects internalism as incompatible with justification in African epistemology, given the contextdependent and social nature of knowledge in African epistemology, where the role of the community is central in epistemic practices.The analytic, expository and critical methods of research are adopted in the paper.
For the positivists, religion is incapable of providing man with knowledge because religious beli... more For the positivists, religion is incapable of providing man with knowledge because religious beliefs do not meet the evidential criteria of empirical verification. This assumption has greatly fuelled the present surging tendency to reject religion as epistemologically irrelevant for man. To countervail such sceptical supposition, this Paper argues for the knowledge-productive capacity of religion, whose beliefs are considered justifiable within the “issue-context” and through demonstrable faith protocol. It maintains that, justification is always relative to an audience; hence, to preach scepticism a duty until “sufficient empirical or scientific evidence” for religious beliefs is found – as the positivists do – is a “categorical mistake”. Keywords: Religious, Scepticism, Positivism, Categorical Mistake Epistemo Justification
International journal of social science and economic research, 2023
Perhaps, nothing sums up the myriads of problems confronting Nigeria as the challenge of nation-b... more Perhaps, nothing sums up the myriads of problems confronting Nigeria as the challenge of nation-building. Decades after independence, Nigeria remains no more than a mere geographical territory with citizens bound together only by a common history and currency. Building a sense of nationhood where national integration and development are key features, has been a difficult challenge for the country currently hewed into smithereens by bitter ethno-religious rivalries, politics of ethnic domination, protests and agitations against political and economic exclusion and separatists' agitations for self-determination. Given their significance to national development, this paper examines the various ways philosophers can contribute to the process of nation-building in Nigeria through their profession. The paper adopts the analytic and critical methods of research. It concludes with the view that philosophers, trained in critical and reflective thinking to address social and political issues, have a vital role to play in nationbuilding through effective mental and moral formations of the citizens.
World Journal Of Advanced Research and Reviews, May 30, 2023
In their quest to refute the sceptics’ challenge to the possibility of knowledge, epistemologists... more In their quest to refute the sceptics’ challenge to the possibility of knowledge, epistemologists have over the years strived to demonstrate how our beliefs can be appropriately justified. This paper critically examines two of these traditional or anti-sceptical theories of justification, namely: Foundationalism and Coherentism, as well as three famous post-Gettier theories of justification: Reliability, Defeasibility and Causal theories. Notwithstanding their relevant contributions in clarifying the conditions for the justification of knowledge, the paper argues that none of these theories attains the requirements of rational success without vulnerability to the sceptics’ challenge, since each is nettled with some identified epistemic defects, especially due to their emphasis on a single and fixed idea of rational justification – with preference for formal adequacy over functional efficacy of knowledge claim in human inquiry. As a way forward, the paper argues for epistemic justification in a functionalistic framework and concludes with the positive recommendation of this perspective as a more viable alternative approach to epistemic justification. The expository and critical methods of philosophical analysis are adopted in the work.
Better known as Averroes, Ibn Rushd remains one of the greatest Islamic philosophical geniuses of... more Better known as Averroes, Ibn Rushd remains one of the greatest Islamic philosophical geniuses of all times. The unparalleled inventiveness of his mind and the "audacity" of his methods are evident in many of his innovative philosophical activities, which tremendously stirred the minds of his contemporaries in the Middle Ages. Perhaps only a few would deny the far-reaching impacts of his profound philosophical activities and ideas on Western philosophy. Prominent among these are his unique status as a paramount guide to Aristotle, based on his influential and massive commentaries on Aristotle, and his strong arguments for the compatibility of philosophy with religion. These and more, have since established the depth of his ideas and his lasting relevance in Western philosophy history. This paper undertakes an exposition of his philosophical activities, to identify the impacts of his enduring legacies on Western philosophy. The expository and hermeneutical methods of analysis are adopted.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Mar 30, 2023
Analysis has been at the heart of philosophical method, though it has been understood and practic... more Analysis has been at the heart of philosophical method, though it has been understood and practiced in many different ways. This paper traces the historical conceptions of analysis in the analytic philosophical history, identified as: the Regressive Analysis, the Decompositional Analysis, and the Interpretative analysis. The key characteristic features and methodological approaches of each of these conceptions of analysis, as well as their relative era of historical significance, are explored in the paper. It concludes with the view that notwithstanding some objections against it, philosophical analysis is largely a fruitful method of philosophical inquiry, whose role in contributing to man's better comprehension of reality remains highly significant and desired in our contemporary age. The expository and analytic methods of research are adopted in the paper.
International journal of scientific research and management, Feb 23, 2022
Perhaps the most influential proposals in the recent literature on the problem of truth in episte... more Perhaps the most influential proposals in the recent literature on the problem of truth in epistemology is Rescher"s version of the coherence theory of truth. Daring to save the theory from sinking under the weights of traditional criticisms, Rescher adopts an approach that differs significantly from the traditional way of presenting the theory: He departs from the traditional definitional emphasis to the criterial route of determining truth under coherence considerations. He also advances the process of validating coherence on pragmatic grounds. Adopting the expository, analytic and critical approaches of study, this paper takes a critical look at Rescher"s rebranded version of the theory. It concludes with the view that, though Rescher"s theory exhibits some epistemic merits, certain identified inherent cognitive problems tend to militate against its rational success in adequately justifying the coherence theory and its viability in resolving the problem of truth in epistemology.
International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2021
One of the most influential proposals in recent literature on the epistemology of religious belie... more One of the most influential proposals in recent literature on the epistemology of religious beliefs has been Alvin Plantinga's reformed epistemology and anti-evidentialist contention, that religious beliefs are properly basic, and so, require no evidence for their justification. Claiming sufficient analogies between perceptual and religious experiences, Plantingaargues for an antievidentialist model for the justification of religious beliefs, which he says, are properly basic. Taking a criticallylook at Plantinga's arguments, this paper notes his commitment to epistemological internalism as the major challenge to the credibility of his thought.It advocates for epistemological externalism implicit in Haack's Foundherentistism, instead, as a better option in making reformed epistemology less susceptible to the evidentialist challenge. The analytic and critical methods of study are adopted.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2021
In our age of huge ecological crisis and colossal consequences for humanity and the earth system,... more In our age of huge ecological crisis and colossal consequences for humanity and the earth system, occasioned by man's ill-exploitation of the earth's resources, this paper argues that the root of our ecological crisis is in the spiritual deficit of the modern man, which informs man's attendant exploitative approach to nature. Thus, in the light of the contemporary search for remedy through ecological spirituality, the paper calls for spiritual renaissance of Africans through the re-sacralization of their worldview in line with the traditional African Eco-spirituality, to save the African continent from ecological collapse. For this aim, the paper explores the concept of African eco-spirituality and appeals to its valuable potential in addressing the present ecological crisis and ensuring a sustainable ecological management and protection in Africa. The hermeneutical, speculative and prescriptive methods of research are adopted in the paper.
The paper discusses the challenges of democratization in Africa. It considers the idea of democra... more The paper discusses the challenges of democratization in Africa. It considers the idea of democracy as a universal one, rather than an exclusive preserve of the West. However, it regards the attempt to foist the western liberal type of democracy on Africa as an ideological factor in contemporary African cultural dislocation by the West. It attributes the failure of this democracy in Africa, as manifested in the rampant political instability and bad governance, to the system’s neglect of the cultural roots of the African people. It calls for the revival and creative exploitation of valuable assets from the indigenous African democratic culture for the construction of authentic paradigm of democracy relevant to the conditions of Africa in the contemporary world. The paper concludes with the caveat that democracy in Africa may not succeed until such cultural adaptation is done.
Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an en... more Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an enduring relevance in western philosophy history. With his ideas leveraging most Modern and Contemporary philosophical systems, his significance in western philosophical thought cannot be over-emphasized. To enunciate this with evidential supports, this Paper reviews some of Augustine’s thoughts that have remained influential in western philosophy. The paper adopts the descriptive and analytic research method. Keywords— Medieval, Divine Illumination, Privation, Time, Just War INTRODUCTION Saint Augustine (also known as Augustine of Hippo), was perhaps the greatest philosopher of the Medieval Antiquity and certainly, one who exerted the deepest and most lasting influence. In fact, “in order to understand the currents of thought in the Middles Ages, a knowledge of Augustinianism is essential” (Copleston, 1962, p. 40). However, Augustine’s significance in Western Philosophy tradition extends ...
United International Journal for Research & Technology, 2021
Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an en... more Far beyond the Medieval antiquity of his time. St. Augustine remains a towering figure with an enduring relevance in western philosophy history. With his ideas leveraging most Modern and Contemporary philosophical systems, his significance in western philosophical thought cannot be overemphasized. To enunciate this with evidential supports, this Paper reviews some of Augustine's thoughts that have remained influential in western philosophy. The paper adopts the descriptive and analytic research method.
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Papers by Anthony Etuk
claims not supported by scientific evidence. Motivated by the assumption that only
the empirical investigation of reality leads to the truth, the scientific sceptics often
maintain that only scientific method is best suited for this purpose. Claims found
to be wanting in scientific evidence are considered untrue, and of little or no
epistemic consequence. Using the analytical and critical methods, this paper
interrogates this epistemic criterion of justification of scientific scepticism. It
shows the inherent epistemic deficits in this criterion of the scientific sceptics, and
how absolutizing its demands in such a manner as to undermine the veracity and
epistemic significance of claims outside the mainstream discipline of science is not
only to entrap themselves in many epistemic burdens, but also to sink under the
unsavoury weight of criteriological egocentrism, detrimental to cognitive progress.
As a credible alternative, this paper explores the epistemic fecundity of
contextualistic pluralism – the pluralism of contextually underwritten cognitive
positions – in truth and knowledge justification. It concludes with the relevance of
this approach in epistemic justification as evident in its inclusive nature as well as
its shift of the focus of philosophical thinking from identity to diversity in an
interculturality society.
claims not supported by scientific evidence. Motivated by the assumption that only
the empirical investigation of reality leads to the truth, the scientific sceptics often
maintain that only scientific method is best suited for this purpose. Claims found
to be wanting in scientific evidence are considered untrue, and of little or no
epistemic consequence. Using the analytical and critical methods, this paper
interrogates this epistemic criterion of justification of scientific scepticism. It
shows the inherent epistemic deficits in this criterion of the scientific sceptics, and
how absolutizing its demands in such a manner as to undermine the veracity and
epistemic significance of claims outside the mainstream discipline of science is not
only to entrap themselves in many epistemic burdens, but also to sink under the
unsavoury weight of criteriological egocentrism, detrimental to cognitive progress.
As a credible alternative, this paper explores the epistemic fecundity of
contextualistic pluralism – the pluralism of contextually underwritten cognitive
positions – in truth and knowledge justification. It concludes with the relevance of
this approach in epistemic justification as evident in its inclusive nature as well as
its shift of the focus of philosophical thinking from identity to diversity in an
interculturality society.