The Ethics of Categorical Imperative and the Struggle for Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Development is a crucial goal for any nation, but it remains a thing of mirage for Nigeria. This research examines the ethical principle of categorical imperative and its impact on the struggle for development in Nigeria. It analyzes the current challenges faced by the country, the roles of the government, civil society, and other stakeholders in promoting development, principles and challenges of implementing categorical imperative in Nigeria. This moral principle introduced by Immanuel Kant, advocates for ethical decision-making based on universal principles. Applying this principle to development in Nigeria requires the prioritization of the wellbeing of all citizens. It emphasizes the importance of eradicating corruption, ensuring social justice, and promoting equal opportunities for all Nigerians. Currently, Nigeria faces numerous challenges that hinder its developmental progress. These challenges include political corruption, inadequate infrastructure, high poverty rates, income inequality, and security concerns. These issues create barriers to sustainable development and hinder the improvement of living conditions for Nigerians. Notedly, this academic research employs analytical method on relevant literatures and the researcher discovers that development in Nigeria will continue to experience several hiccups, if the government and the stakeholders are negligent of impunity, lack of transparency, poor governance and corruption. The government should however, respect the humanity in others and act in accordance with rules that could hold for everyone, by building a strong pact with accountability and honest structures that will be an immense resource to development, which involve ensuring fair and just policies and practices that treat all citizens as ends in themselves.