Thinking Beyond the Moral Foundation of Political Corruption: Kwame Gyekye in Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the moral foundation of political corruption analysed by Kwame Gyekye with the goal of offering a pragmatic solution to the phenomenon. The aim is that, beyond the moral foundation, the pragmatic approach will aid the eradication, or considerably minimize the problem of political corruption in the human society. It posits that what most philosophers and social scientists write concerning the nature and extent of political corruption can be categorised as normative, which supports the view that political corruption is enshrined in morality. Looking beyond the realm of theory, the paper argues that there are practical ways to view the issue under consideration. The study submits that (i) the negative impacts which political corruption has on the society causes practical problems than moral, and (ii) that political corruption needs practical/pragmatic solutions than the moral/theoretical ones provided by Gyekye. The study adopts the method of conceptual analysis and clarification.