Room 401 at the Faculty of Arts Building, University of Lagos, was packed full with students and lovers of knowledge who gathered to listen to Professor Douglas Anele on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
It was the 1st Skeptical Africa Lecture, organised by the Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation in conjunction with the Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos.
Speaking on the topic, The Value of Skepticism, Prof. Anele made a strong case for the promotion of critical thinking in society. He defined Skepticism as “the capacity to doubt and the ability to ask questions. It is the ability to probe beyond what is being readily offered as truth, and to suspend judgement in the absence of sufficient evidence. It is very important for intellectual maturity”.
The Professor of Philosophy bemoaned the entrenchment of superstitions and dogmas in the Nigerian society, and the manner it has impeded progress in different areas of life. He critically examined the injurious effects of religion and politics on a society that is not subscribed to the tenets of Skepticism.
His words, “Skepticism is of utmost importance in two domains: Politics and Religion. However, the challenge with Africa – and indeed Nigeria – is that even the elite, who should be the searchlight for society, are in the blackhole of superstitious beliefs. In Nigeria, Religion has stifled the capacity for critical thinking among the elites and citizens at large. In Politics, citizens who should have a skeptical attitude towards electoral promises are largely missing. In Nigeria, unquestioning adherence to religious dogma has cost many people their jobs, relationships, and health. It is same in the realm of politics, and that is sad”.
Professor Anele urged members of the audience to take more than a passing interest in Skepticism and to live by its postulations, with a modicum of moderation. “It is true that Skepticism taken too far is unsustainable. However, a healthy dose of it is necessary in every serious intellectual enterprise and for everyday living. Skepticism has a progressive sanitising effect on society and knowledge creation. In this age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Fakes, you must eat, drink, and sleep Skepticism”.
He continued, “In such a world, your ability to subject supposed truths to critical examination, and not accepting things hook, line, and sinker, is what will help you retain your personal liberty to think and act rationally. In conclusion, I urge everyone of you to imbibe the Skeptical attitude. In the absence of sufficient evidence, suspend judgment. Stay action!”
Director of Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Leo Igwe, gave the rationale for the lecture, just as he appreciated the Department of Philosophy for its willingness to participate in the project.
“The goal of the lecture is to rally tertiary students and staff, and others who value skeptical rationality and critical inquiry against superstitions and paranormal beliefs and claim. Hopefully, the University of Lagos would play a historic role in the realisation of a skeptical awakening on campuses, nation and continent-wide”.
The Head of Department of Philosophy Department, UNILAG, Professor C. Okoro, was also present at the lecture. He praised the initiative and encouraged students who were present to make the most of the opportunity it offered.
“Today’s lecture is about practical epistemology. I therefore encourage you all to make the most of the lessons shared here today, thereby increasing your capacity to become rational members of society, brining light and solutions to our numerous challenges”, he said.
The Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation which aims to promote critical thinking skills in schools and society at large.
