The Role of Philosophers in Public Affairs

Abstract

In the popular imagination, Philosophers are a group of pedantic eggheads who, comfortably ensconced in the security of the ivory towers, speculate about metaphysical and abstract entities that have little or no relevance to practical concerns. In reality, however, philosophy can and do grapple with real life concerns. Indeed certain branches or sub-branches of philosophy such as “Applied ethics”, “Political philosophy” and “Existentialism” are eminently concerned with practical human problems and public issues. Yet there is a paradoxical paucity of reflections about what exactly is the role of philosophers in public affairs. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to articulate and examine the actual, as well as the potential role of public-spirited philosophers in their respective societies. The paper submits that, among other functions, philosophers provide the requisite analysis, critique and vision articulation required in the public sphere.