Benue State University, Makurdi

A Moral Appraisal of “The Doctrine of Gratification” and the Polemics of Corruption in Nigeria

Laleye, Solomon Akinyemi, Ph.D and Oladipupo, Sunday Layi, Ph.D

Abstract

Corruption is an umbrella word for many social vices that exist in the society. It is perceived as a normalized practice in many African countries, especially Nigeria. In spite of its attendant negative consequences, the culture of corruption particularly, the gratification variant of the acts continue to wax stronger among Nigerian elites. Scholars have addressed the phenomenon of corruption holistically, some have also researched into some of the forms of corruption. This article examines the often neglected aspect, which is gratification. The act of gratification is an immoral act that deprives the giver, deplete the commonwealth required for national development but provides a platform for the happiness and personal satisfaction of the recipient. This article with the aid of the analytical method of philosophical inquiry attempt an appraisal of the ‘doctrine of gratification’ as well as the polemics of corruption in Nigeria. The paper, interrogates and juxtapose corrupt practices within the framework of Kant’s Categorical Imperative: a fundamental principle of morality which provides a criterion by which our actions could be assessed in terms of whether or not, they are motivated by good intentions. The article also takes into cognizance the argument by some beneficiary and benefactor of this social vice that corruption has a positive dimension. This presumed positive nature of corruption is considered misleading because it can only be sustained for a while hence, the paper concludes that corruption under any guise is averse to moral standard of living in the long run.

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