An Appraisal of Existentialist Notion of Freedom: A Recipe for Authentic Nation Building
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Date
2016
Authors
Owosho, S.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Public Law, Ambrose Alli University
Abstract
The nature of human freedom has long been a subject of controversy. This problem does not only concern man’s liberty from political and economic constraints but also his freedom in nature; his fundamental capacity for free choice and actions. This paper examines the nature of freedom in relation to nation building by identifying lack of freedom as a fundamental obstacle militating against nation building. It also appraises the problems of human freedom and nation building from the existentialist standpoint. The central theme of existentialism is that truth must start from subjectivity; that existence precedes essence; that reality is in action; that life is absurd and meaningless, and that only by acting can man put meaning into his existence. By this endeavour, this paper attempts to show the relevance of philosophy to human and national development. This paper maintains that the drive towards development is anchored on the will to be free. Freedom is the basic right of every individual, the freedom to act, to shape and develop the present and the path leading to the future of the nation. Development in this sense is the ability to liberate people from the hazardous power and influence of natural, geo-physical, socio-historical and world environment. This ability is a thing that must not be denied and cannot be borrowed. It has to evolve naturally, encouraged, nurtured and strengthened. It concludes that African nations must strive to be free and be self-determined as this is the way to originality and authentic nation building
Description
Scholarly Publication
Keywords
Human Freedom , Nation Building , Existentialism , Subjectivity
Citation
Owosho S.A. (2016). An Appraisal of Existentialist Notion of Freedom: A Recipe for Authentic Nation Building, Journal of Law and International Security, 9 (1), A Publication of Department of Public Law, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, 58-68