JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

The development of good morals is an important aspect of national development. This is because there can be no meaningful national development if the members are morally retrogressive and underdeveloped. As Aristotle rightly noted, ethics and politics are never divorced, for according to him, the moral ends of man are promoted by legal and political means. Thus, he sees the state as a means of achieving the good life. At the same time, however, the legal and political ends of man are also promoted by moral means, for it is the good life itself that enables the state to thrive in development. A country of rogues, a nation where corruption is the ordinary way of life can make no progress in development. Experience has lent some support to this fact. Now, philosophy, by its very nature, teaches man the right path. It has been described as the love of wisdom, and no one can truly be called wise who is morally irresponsible. Philosophy, hence, becomes an important factor in the development of good morals in the society, which is itself, an important aspect of national development. Furthermore, philosophy is love of knowledge, which for Francis Beckon, is synonymous with power. For no form of development can occur if it is not first of all known to man. Knowledge itself is essential to the good life as Plato rightly noted when he remarks that ignorance is the cause of all vice. Philosophy is the mother of both knowledge and morality, both of which are indispensable for national development. Employing the critical and analytical methods of study, this article examines the role of philosophy in the development of a nation. It raises the questions, how can ignorance and moral decadence contribute to national underdevelopment? How can philosophers contribute to the developmental progress of a nation?