Mr. POLO ETAOGHENE
Publication Title Abortion and Nigeria's Abortion Provisions: An Evaluation
Publication Type journal
Publisher Journal of Intercultural Values and Indigenous Ecoethics
Publication Authors Etoaghene Paul Polo, and Olayinka Afeez Olanrewaju
Year Published 2024-07-01
Abstract So much value is ascribed to human life. This is so because life is generally regarded as a precious gift to humanity, which should be cherished and protected, as failure to cherish and protect life will bring about inevitable extinction of the entire human race. Abortion is one of the numerous contemporary issues that undermine the sanctity and value of human life; for it involves terminating a pregnancy by removing a fetus or embryo before it can survive independent of the uterus, or killing the fetus inside the uterus. The issue of abortion is highly controversial; for while some individuals permit it, some others condemn it totally, as evident in the ‘pro-life’ versus ‘pro-choice’ controversy. ‘Pro-life’ advocates condemn abortion on the grounds that it is an outright disrespect for the dignity and value of human life, and hold that there should be sustained discussions on it, so as to expose its danger and fatal consequences. ‘Pro-choice’ advocates are simply indifferent to the issue of abortion; for them, getting involved in abortion is a matter of choice for an individual - that is, one is at liberty to accept or reject abortion, so that in the final analysis, abortion should not be an issue for discussion. This article explores several arguments and bioethical concerns on abortion, approaches to the issue of abortion and Nigeria’s abortion provisions, which are evident in the Criminal and Penal Codes, respectively. Ultimately, this article recommends that beyond merely stating punishments for those involved in abortion, the following should be done: (a) Correcting the disparity between the Criminal and Penal Codes by ensuring that both Codes have the same penalty stated, or completely reducing them into a single Code that will be applied across the country, (b) Modifying the Criminal and Penal Codes by including information that will serve the purpose of educating Nigerians on the bioethical issues associated with abortion, and (c) Designating a body charged with ensuring compliance with and implementation of the abortion laws.
Publication Title An Evaluation of the Problem of Language in African Philosophy
Publication Type journal
Publisher International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities: Africa Research Corps Network (ARCN) Journals
Publication Authors Ocheja Theophilus Attabor, and Etaoghene Paul Polo
Year Published 2023-12-01
Abstract The problem of language in African philosophy is coextensive with the question as to whether there exists an African philosophy. This is so because when the question: "what language is African philosophy to be done?" arises, it implicitly calls into question the very foundation of the discipline. Little wonder then, that the language question has remained a front-burner issue in African philosophy. Essentially, the problem of Language in African philosophy raises the question as to whether the expression of the African experience of reality in foreign languages can generate an authentically African philosophy. Put differently, the problem centers on whether or not foreign languages should be used to express African philosophical thoughts. In an attempt to address this problem, two camps have surfaced among African philosophers, namely, the conservatives and the progressives. For the conservatives, for a philosophy to be authentically African, it must be expressed in African languages. They base their argument on the fact that language is tied to culture and every culture has its peculiar conceptual framework. Consequently, to express the African experience of reality in a foreign language necessarily implicates 'conceptual superimposition.' In contrast, the progressives commit themselves to a more pragmatic approach to the question of language. They opine that the lack of a continental lingua franca in Africa legitimizes the use of foreign languages. This research therefore evaluates the position of both camps with a view to establishing the possibility and plausibility of having an authentic African philosophy in foreign languages. This is without prejudice to the significance of African languages in construing the African experience of reality. This research employs the expository, analytic, and evaluative methods.
Publication Title An Eclectic Approach to the Doctrine of Determinism
Publication Type journal
Publisher APPON Philosophical Quarterly: A Journal of the Association of Philosophy Professionals of Nigeria (APPON)
Publication Authors Etaoghene Paul Polo, and Donatus Osatofoh Ailodion
Year Published 2023-03-01
Abstract Are human beings actually free beings? The doctrine of
determinism gives a negative response to this question.
Determinism therefore claims that humans are not free to act or make choices, since they are always constrained in some way. By so doing, determinism denies human freedom and human moral responsibility. It rejects the idea that humans act freely, or that humans can be regarded as responsible for their actions and inactions. This outright denial of human freedom and human moral responsibility is certainly pregnant with several
implications, which this article is aimed at exposing. This article adopts the expository, analytic and critical methods. It begins with a clari?cation of the concept of determinism and then goes on to discuss five types of determinism, namely: (a) physical, (b)
psychological, (c) historical, (d) ethical and (e) theological
determinism, respectively. Also, this article discusses two
categories of determinism known as soft and hard determinism. Furthermore, this article exposes some implications of determinism for events and humanity. Finally, adopting eclecticism as its theoretical framework, this article proposes that it is best to approach the doctrine of determinism by simply
recognising and accepting the fact that there are aspects of humans that are determined, and there are equally aspects of humans that are not determined. By so doing, this article establishes that approaching the doctrine of determinism
eclectically is the surest way of accommodating the opposing doctrines of determinism and 'freewillism.’
Publication Title Elucidating the Problem of Translation in African Philosophy
Publication Type journal
Publisher Essence: Interdisciplinary-International Journal of Concerned African Philosophers
Publication Authors Etaoghene Paul Polo, and Donatus Osatofoh Ailodion
Year Published 2024-07-01
Abstract The world today is marked by linguistic diversity. It has nonetheless been described as a global village. Consequently, there is a growing interest in understanding issues across cultures and languages. This has necessitated the translation of texts and thoughts into languages that can reach out to a greater number of people. The challenge, however, has been to retain the originally intended meaning in the new language into which a text is translated. The concern of this paper is to elucidate the concept of translation and the views of philosophers on the concept, with a view to understanding the problem of translation, especially as it relates to African Philosophy. Ultimately, this research establishes that the problem of translating African philosophical thought can be addressed through (a) improved capacity building of African translators, (b) better access to resources and increased collaboration between African and non-African scholars, and (c) use of a “third language” as a medium of communication, which can help bridge cultural and linguistic gaps between African and non-African philosophical thoughts.
Publication Title Examining the Epistemological Status of AI-Aided Research in the Information Age: Research Integrity of Margaret Lawrence University in Delta State
Publication Type journal
Publisher International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities: Africa Research Corps Network (ARCN) Journals
Publication Authors Etoaghene Paul Polo, Helen Emmanuel (PhD), and Obande Bonnie Obeka
Year Published 2024-08-01
Abstract This study examines the epistemological implications of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in researches within the information age. Focusing on the particular case of Margaret Lawrence University, a leading research institution situated in Galilee, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, this study assesses the implications of AI-aided research and questions the integrity of AI-generated knowledge. Precisely, this study discusses the epistemological status of AI-generated knowledge by weighing the prospects and shortcomings of using AI in research. Also, this study explores a number of ethical considerations associated with AI-aided research, such as potential bias, digital piracy, and the risk of misinterpretation of results. Collectively, the findings of this study reveal that although AI has great potentials for advancing research, it has far-reaching implications for the integrity of research. This study concludes by recommending a number of measures which can be employed to foster responsible use of AI in research and ultimately ensure research integrity in Margaret Lawrence University and elsewhere.
Publication Title A Critique of Inductive Arguments in Logic
Publication Type journal
Publisher Nnadiebube Journal of Philosophy
Publication Authors Etaoghene Paul Polo
Year Published 2024-08-01
Abstract Blending the qualitative and analytic research methods, this article critically examines the nature and limitations of inductive arguments within the field of logic. Inductive arguments, unlike their deductive counterparts, provide conclusions that extend beyond the premises, thus offering probabilistic rather than certain conclusions. This critique emphasises the weak inferential connections inherent in inductive reasoning, where premises give only partial or probable support to conclusions. The analysis highlights the ampliative value of inductive arguments, illustrating how they broaden conceptual knowledge by introducing new information. However, the article also delves into reasons for their limited acceptance in logic, focusing on their probabilistic nature, contingency, experiential basis, and susceptibility to fallacies such as hasty generalisation, composition, false cause, and appeal to authority. Despite these criticisms, the article recognises that inductive arguments hold significant merit in scientific inquiry and everyday reasoning, contrasting with the firm, analytic nature of deductive arguments used in formal logic and philosophical analysis. The article concludes by advocating for a balanced approach in argumentation, underscoring the need to appreciate the contextual strengths and limitations of both inductive and deductive reasoning in the pursuit of effective logical analysis.