Main Article Content
Sartre's humanism and the problem of political corruption: An appraisal
Abstract
One of the major problems that have confronted man right from the time of creation
for those who believe in the theory of creation and others who do not, is that of
trying to secure the right kind of relationship that should exist between the
individual and the community. This has been so because the individual is believed
to have autonomy and freedom; while it is equally taken that there are some
societal values which must be protected by all. This rivalry between individual selfinterest
and that of the community has sometimes resulted in tensions, conflicts
and other negative consequences. There is no doubt that the individual person has
freedom, but this autonomy or freedom and self-interest has limitations. One of the
consequences that may result due to the individual's quest to always pursue selfinterest
is political corruption. Political corruption can be described as the misuse
of power for self or private advantage. Such benefits may or may not be monetary,
but may include special treatment, commendation or the favour of man. When
political corruption operates in a society unhindered, it may eventually spell doom
and destruction to such. This paper therefore addresses the problem of political
corruption, with a view to having a better understanding of this scourge and to seek
appropriate management strategies. Sartre's humanism, as presented in his works,
if highlighted and applied, with other management strategies would be effective as
an approach to the solution of political corruption. This is because commitment to
action and fundamental sense of brotherhood which Sartre encouraged are vital to
any meaningful solution to a problem like this.
Sophia: An African Journal of Philosophy Vol. 8(1) 2005:85-92
Keywords:
Keywords:
for those who believe in the theory of creation and others who do not, is that of
trying to secure the right kind of relationship that should exist between the
individual and the community. This has been so because the individual is believed
to have autonomy and freedom; while it is equally taken that there are some
societal values which must be protected by all. This rivalry between individual selfinterest
and that of the community has sometimes resulted in tensions, conflicts
and other negative consequences. There is no doubt that the individual person has
freedom, but this autonomy or freedom and self-interest has limitations. One of the
consequences that may result due to the individual's quest to always pursue selfinterest
is political corruption. Political corruption can be described as the misuse
of power for self or private advantage. Such benefits may or may not be monetary,
but may include special treatment, commendation or the favour of man. When
political corruption operates in a society unhindered, it may eventually spell doom
and destruction to such. This paper therefore addresses the problem of political
corruption, with a view to having a better understanding of this scourge and to seek
appropriate management strategies. Sartre's humanism, as presented in his works,
if highlighted and applied, with other management strategies would be effective as
an approach to the solution of political corruption. This is because commitment to
action and fundamental sense of brotherhood which Sartre encouraged are vital to
any meaningful solution to a problem like this.
Sophia: An African Journal of Philosophy Vol. 8(1) 2005:85-92
Keywords:
Keywords:
