AN EXTRAPOLATION OF THE SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY ON THE SOCIAL-POLITICAL REALITY OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY: A PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS

This paper examines the conceptual and theoretical significance and impact of the extrapolation of theories and principles generally in the understanding of the social structure of a society in the quest for social justice and political stability. This is in contradistinction to banal, whimsical, emotive and unscientific patterns and approaches adopted by the Nigerian state since independence. The argument is made strongly that society must be built and run on the basis of scientific theories on society. The essay progresses in the manner of taking an over-view of what a theory is and its necessity and relevance in the search for social-political solutions in society. The notion of theory and its practical usage in society is examined in consonance with arguments on the relationship between theory and practice. This paper takes a critical look at the Social Contract theory and draws a link between it and the quest for nationhood in Nigeria. The argument is that the same steps taken in the formation of society in the “state of nature” should be applied in creating a nation-state out of the numerous Nigerian nations.