PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT FOR AFRICAN ECONOMIES
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT FOR AFRICAN ECONOMIES

Summary/Abstract: Nature is ontologically in motion. It neither admits of a state of inaction nor a vacuum. Therefore, allnature is perpetually in internal and external motion known as development. Progress is the manifestationof this motion in the positive direction. All theories of development among humans as social speciespresuppose some philosophy. Development in the social plane is values-oriented. It is always teleologicalto a certain philosophy or set of values. Therefore, philosophy is at the basis of theories of nationaldevelopment. But not all philosophies are suitable to all peoples. Some are actually harmful. Althoughdevelopment can be economical, social, cultural or political, it takes place within a certain conception ofthe world, and the place of man in that world. Western framed theories of development for Africaneconomies have not always taken this into consideration. This research critiques the application of thesetheories to African economies and their resultant tumultuous impacts. The work is based on libraryresearch subjected to critical philosophical analysis .Western framed theories of development intended toWestern tackle situation or serve Western interests, cannot bring about the much needed development onthe African continent. Africa must chart the way forward by coming up with home-grown theories ofdevelopment. An African existentialist theory of development which is factored on local existentialrealities will bring the much needed turnaround.

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