The Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan has taken a bold step towards promoting the practical application of philosophy by introducing a new course, Philosophy in Practice (PHI318), as a compulsory requirement for penultimate students studying philosophy. The course, which will be a four-week practical orientation for both single and combined honours programmes, will involve sending students to relevant organizations such as the Nigeria Police, Army, Customs, Immigration, Prisons, Federal Road Safety Commission, Civil Defense, and personnel departments of ministries and non-governmental organizations. This innovative initiative will give philosophy students an opportunity to put into practice some of the critical, analytical, and ethical skills they have acquired in the course of their training.
The University of Ibadan's decision to introduce Philosophy in Practice is an affirmation of philosophy's importance in contemporary society. It is a recognition that philosophy is not an abstract and "non-professional" field of study, but rather, an enriching experience that can help us lead more thoughtful, reflective, and fulfilling lives. The narrow-minded notion that philosophy is abstract and irrelevant to the real world is misguided and ignores the fact that philosophy can be applied to every aspect of our lives. Philosophy has always been concerned with fundamental questions about life, such as the nature of reality, the meaning of existence, the sources of knowledge, the limits of human understanding, and the nature of morality. These questions are not only of theoretical importance, but they also have practical implications for our everyday lives.
The University of Ibadan's decision to introduce Philosophy in Practice is a commendable initiative that should be emulated by other institutions of higher learning. It is a testament to the relevance and importance of philosophy in today's society and a recognition that philosophy can be beneficial to anyone who wants to improve their critical thinking abilities, expand their intellectual horizons, and gain a better understanding of both themselves and the world around them
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