Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

This paper displays the applied nature of metaphysics to our daily lives, and in this case to democracy, especially in Nigeria. The paper argues that the best way to approach the desire for a democratic polity is to develop a practical attitude. Taking its point of departure from the idea of immanent metaphysics, the paper argues that the relationship between attitudes and behavior, though a fundamental issue in the social sciences, takes a philosophical detour once attitudes are conceived in practical terms. Employing expository, historical, analytic and hermeneutic methods, the paper posits that practical attitude is the best framework to be used in motivating the kind of action required to bounce Nigeria out of her democratic lethargy. It observes that the most important area where this action-motivating practical attitude is needed is on the attitude we have towards the constitution on the basis of which we are democratizing. In conclusion, The paper sees this application of practical attitudes to our democracy as evaluative, and therefore, considers this as ultimately a supreme moral one, which stimulates us to act in ways that would make our leaders respond rather than react to the demands of the people for freedom, justice, equity and greater accountability in governance.

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