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The Falsification Principle as a Method of Knowledge Growth
Get PDFKarl Popper was not a member of the logical positivist, but he had contacts with them in Vienna in the 1920s. He was critical of their scientific philosophy and condemned their outright rejection of metaphysics as meaningless. His sustained criticism of the logical positivists’ verification principles played a pivotal role in the birth of philosophy of science as a second-order studies in philosophy. His philosophy of science pursued two main concerns – the criteria for the demarcation of science from pseudo-science and a prescription for the methodology of knowledge growth. Although he shared similar concerns with the positivists on the methods of the sciences, they never agreed on a particular method; while the positivists were persuaded that verificationism was the best method for the sciences, Karl Popper was of the opinion that falsificationism was better. For him, falsificationism as a method would not only serve as a method for the sciences but would create room for the growth scientific growth of knowledge generally. The objective of this paper was to evaluate Popper’s notion of falsificationism and its implications for the growth of knowledge and the discovery of truth, not only in the sciences, but in all facets of human endeavour. The analytic method was used for the research. The paper agrees with Popper that the application of the falsification principle will eliminate unverifiable postulations and unfounded doctrines/traditions that tend to encourage ignorance and obfuscate the growth of scientific knowledge. The paper recommends subjecting key legislative, political, religious and scientific assumptions/doctrines to falsification to determine their verisimilitude to truth.
Keywords: Falsificationism, Logical Positivism, Dogmatism, Verisimilitude, Logical curiosity
Sociocultural contexts of Yorùbá Traditional Marriage Songs
Get PDFOne of the essential cultural institutions of the Yoruba in Southwestern Nigeria, is marriage. The ‘alaga’ plays an important role in traditional wedding ceremonies. Earlier studies on their activities have concentrated on the linguistic prowess of the compere. This paper examines the sociocultural elements of Yoruba traditional wedding songs and performance which has been neglected in earlier works. The theoretical approach to this study is Dell Hyme's Ethnography of Communication which explores the use of various means of communication among particular people. Ten (10) Yoruba traditional wedding songs were purposively selected as empirical data. Data was analysed using content-analysis. In addition, participant observation was employed by the researcher. The study shows that the engagement songs are embodiments of Yorùbá history, a public display of affluence, background of the bride and groom, the reliance on prayers, and display of humour, all of which constitute the sociocultural contexts of the Yoruba traditional wedding. The marriage ceremony, especially the engagement, ‘ìdána’, has transformed from being a melting point for the two families into an important avenue for displaying the linguistic proficiency of the Master of Ceremonies; the alága, as well as the rich cultural background of the Yorùbá. The study found that the ‘alága’ role which began as a humble assignment played by the ‘ìyàwó ilé’ has metamorphosed into a big business serving families across different economic, religions and tribal background. The study concludes that the ‘alagas’ are major agents of language maintenance among the Yorùbá and also serve as social reformers.
Keywords: Alága, Engagement ceremony, Ethnography of communication, Sociocultural, Yorùbá cultur
Evaluation of Fire Disaster Preparedness in Selected Universities in Osun State Nigeria: A Qualitative Study
Get PDFBuildings are susceptible to fire disasters all over the world, university buildings are frequently used by lots of students, staff and faculty members, this is in addition to the volume of combustible materials in the classes, offices, laboratories and students’ hostels. This makes the buildings prone to fire incidents. This study investigated fire disaster preparedness in selected university buildings in Osun state, Nigeria. The study assessed firefighting equipment and facilities, training/education of building users, awareness of fire disaster preparedness, availability of water for firefighting, supply of firefighting equipment and facilities, introduction of new technology and firefighting operations, evacuation drills for building users, availability of evacuation plans, fire doors, consideration of fire disaster preparedness during the design and post-construction stages of the buildings and factors influencing fire disaster preparedness. The research adopted the qualitative method, using in-depth interview (IDI) to collect data from 15 interviewees. Manual thematic analysis was used in analysing the data. Findings revealed that fire disaster preparedness was low in the selected university buildings in Osun state, Nigeria. The study concluded that there were inadequate firefighting equipment and facilities, unavailability of evacuation plans, inadequate training of building users, low awareness, lack of new technology and firefighting operations, lack of fire doors in the buildings. The study suggested that more firefighting equipment and facilities should be provided in the buildings, inclusion of fire doors and fire exit doors, evacuation plans in the buildings, increase awareness and training of users of buildings in universities, introduce new technology in firefighting operations.
Keywords: Fire disaster preparedness, evacuation, interviewees, firefighting, thematic analysi
Selected Bibliocentric and Socio-Cultural Practices and Necessity of Inculturation Hermeneutics in the Yoruba Context
Get PDFCertain cultural practices were allowed by Yahweh of Israel in order to pass His message to His people. In this regard, the Canaanite cultural influences and environmental factors on some Jewish conceptions about their God, Yahweh Elohim could not be covered. Examples are attributing meteorological features to Yahweh in the Sinaitic and Exodus Traditions, such as “pillars of cloud”, “fire”, “sounding of trumpets”, a reminiscence of thunder from Baal, the active god of the Canaanites, mountain patronage, theophoric names, building of altars and sacrificing on them to God and the rest of them could not be denied in order to show elements of inculturation and enculturation. It examined the gap that Christianity and its mission activities cannot only be hermeneutically spread through Eurocentric hermeneutics, which would amount to a fallacy, and which would make Christianity a foreign religion to the Africans that has no bearing to the African religious sensibilities and existential needs. This study filled this gap by drawing attention of the Africans to similar cultural practices in the Bible as they have the same and demonstrated that God of the Bible is also for the Africans. It also focused on the selected bibliocentric cultural practices found on the pages of the Judeo-Christian sacred text in the African context. It examined these cultural practices during the biblical world and juxtaposed them with similar African cultural practices. We located where certain biblical practices are similar to the African socio-cultural practices and how it could better illustrate the teaching of the Bible to the Africans with the tool of “inculturation hermeneutics” for the exegetes. Finally, it argues for the necessity of inculturation hermeneutics and summed up that inculturation hermeneutics is the lasting solutions to entrenching biblical hermeneutics to the Africans and the survival of Christianity in this century. 
Historical Development of College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria, 1977-2009
Get PDFThe paper examined the historical development of college of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Nigeria. The paper traced the origin of the college. Historical research design relying on primary and secondary sources of information was adopted. The variables considered in this paper included the origin, objectives, milestones, staffing, students’ enrolments, facilities in place and impact of the college on the host communities. Findings obtained confirmed that college has succeeded in producing teachers for the basic education in Nigeria thus fulfilling the national objectives of producing teachers and the required manpower for primary and lower level of secondary education in Nigeria. The staffing, students' enrolments and the infrastructural facilities of the college have improved; and that the college is financed by the Ekiti State Government and Tertiary Education Trust Fund assistance. The alumni of the college had contributed immensely to their alma mater. The college had impacted positively on its host communities. Based on the discussions of this paper, it was recommended that additional infrastructural facilities be provided by the Ekiti State Government and other stakeholders in teacher education. Ekiti State Government should endeavour to increase is budgetary allocation to the college.
Keywords: Historical, Development, College of Education, National Commission for Colleges of Education, Nigeria
Editorial
Get PDFThis issue of NIU Journal of Humanities touches on Development Administration, Educational Psychology, Climate Change, Social Philosophy as well as Language and Literary Studies.
The first part of the Journal focuses on Development Administration. Using the Fiscal Federalism of Nigeria as a case study, one of the papers in this section empirically identifies the major challenges proterty tax and fiscal federalism to include: centralization at the state level, the absence of a comprehensive database, tax evasion, legal exemptions, skill shortages, lack of political will, and corruption. The paper recommends, amongst others, that the state government should states to relinquish the unconstitutional centralization of property tax functions and empowering local governments for independent assessment and collection.
One of the papers, in the second section on Educational Psychology, argues that moral education as a means of regenerating social norms and moral values. It is revealed in the paper, among other things, that job decision latitude was the main contributor to the prediction of burnout of academic staff of public universities and that university academic staff members are not immune to burnout and other-work related challenges affecting workers generally. It is therefore, recommended that Government, university administrator and university management should improve on university work environment by providing necessary facilities that will enhance favourable work environment. This in turn will reduce the level of burnout among the university academic staff.
In the third section on Climate Change, one of the papers reveals that temperature and precipitation affected soil moisture and organic matter from 1996-2016 and recommends the application of organic materials on soil to increase organic matter content and the practise of mulching will also conserve soil moisture.
One of the papers, in the fourth section on Social Philosophy, examines those cultural practices in the bible that are similar to African cuture. These biblical practices are juxtaposed with similar African cultural practices in order to better illustrate the teaching of the Bible to the Africans with the tool of “inculturation hermeneutics” for the exegetes.
Papers in the last section deals with issues in Language and Literary Studies. Several lierary works are examine in order to provide a useful contribution to how different worldview unites and differs in the human search to unravel 'truth'.
On the whole, this issue of NIU Journal of Humanities features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader
An Analysis of Ogba Derivational Affixes
Get PDFThis study describes the analyses of derivational affixes in Ọgba Language. It particularly examines the derivational operations (role) of affixes in the Language. It shows how certain grammatical ideas or notions like reduplication, prefixation and suffixation, interfixation, prefix and miscellaneous coinages and derivative tone are marked by affixes in Ọgba. Some of the derivative affixes (morphemes) in the language used to arrive at this are as follow: e̩, a, I, o, o̩, u, m, n marking different coinages. Other linguistics processes affected by morphological operations in the language include the derivation of the noun and verb with interfix; coping the consonant of the verb root to construct partial reduplication and tone as derivative morphemes. We believe that this research work would be significant in the development of the Ọgba language, and most pertinently, increase the zeal for the preservation of the language in Rivers State and Nigeria in general
Achieving Unity amidst Diversity in Christian Doctrines Beliefs and Practices: An In-Depth Analysis
Get PDFPursuing unity within the diverse landscape of Christian doctrines, beliefs, and practices is a perpetual challenge that has marked the history of Christianity. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of fostering unity amidst theological diversity, doctrinal traditions, and varied expressions of faith within the Christian community. By analyzing the theological underpinnings of unity in Christianity, including core doctrines like the divinity of Christ and the authority of Scripture, the paper underscores the foundational principles that bind believers together. Despite these shared tenets, divergent interpretations, emphases, and nuances have given rise to doctrinal variations across Christian denominations. Moreover, the paper delves into the historical evolution of doctrinal discrepancies in Christianity, examining the origins of significant schisms, theological disputes, and doctrinal contentions that have influenced the multifaceted tapestry of Christian beliefs and practices. These historical fractures continue to shape interdenominational relations and interactions among Christians. Practical strategies for promoting unity amid doctrinal diversity are also explored, emphasizing the significance of ecumenical dialogues, interfaith collaborations, and initiatives to foster reconciliation and mutual comprehension. Recognizing and honouring the diverse spectrum of beliefs and practices while seeking common ground is pivotal in nurturing unity within the Christian community. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of balancing unity and diversity in Christian traditions, celebrating the richness and complexity that diversity engenders while upholding the shared faith that unites believers across doctrinal boundaries. Through respectful dialogue, humility, and an embrace of the diverse facets of the body of Christ, Christians can endeavour towards a more profound unity that transcends doctrinal discrepancies, fostering a spirit of love and fellowship within the Church.
Keywords: Divergent, Christian Doctrines, Beliefs, Practices, Unity, Coherence, Christian, Christian Faith, Implication
Afro-centric Ethics of Development in a Global Capitalist Order
Get PDFAs African scholars interested in Africa’s development, we have consistently attributed the problems and complexities of Africa’s development to the exogenous programmes and policies from the West. There is always the claim that the values that promote development in the African continent are foreign and strange to African cultures and that accounts for the slow pace of development in Africa in spite of the enormous efforts towards improving Africa’s situation. This work acknowledges such sentiments of foreign invasion on African cultural values in the quest for Africa’s development. But the problem that Africa faces in this situation and the subsequent goal to overturn the present development logic in which foreign parameters are exclusively applied on African situation is that Africa has no articulated development ethics as we find in the West as being advanced by Denis Goulet and Des Gasper. Theories, policies and programmes of development in Africa which originate from the Western-based multilateral and multinational organizations have conformed to the logics of development advanced by these scholars. Adopting the analytical approach, we argue that African cultures are rich in values and have capacity to drive Africa’s development with their own standard ethical framework that can answer the questions of development confronting Africa. This way, African agents of development would embrace policies and programmes with more commitments towards Africa’s development activities.
Keywords: African situation, development logic, cultural values, Afro-centric ethics development, Africa, Indigenous value
Prevalence and Determinants of Childhood Obesity among Primary School Pupils in Edo State: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFChildhood obesity is a global health concern associated with various adverse health outcomes. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood obesity and explore the factors contributing to obesity among primary school pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 1,805 pupils from sixteen schools in Edo State. Data on body composition, including weight, height, arm circumference, and skin folds measurements, were collected by qualified nurses and research assistants. Additionally, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a food consumption pattern questionnaire (FCPQ) were administered to assess the pupils' food consumption patterns. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23, including frequency distributions, percentage distributions, mean, standard deviations, chi-square and independent samples t-test statistics. The study found out that 14% of pupils in the state were obese, and that skipping lunch, eating alone and engaging in physical activities after school had a significant relationship with the prevalence of obesity (p = 0.049, 0.040 and 0.035 respectively). Also, children in urban areas had a higher likelihood of obesity compared to those from rural areas (p < 0.000), while girls exhibited slightly higher prevalence of obesity compared to boys, though the difference is insignificant (p = 0.769). The study concluded that the prevalence of childhood obesity is high in Edo State of Nigeria, and that the determinants of this prevalence include dietary patterns, cultural factors, and gender.
Keywords: Childhood obesity, prevalence, determinants, primary school pupils, Edo State, Nigeri