47 HSS VII.3 (2018) DOI: 10.2478/hssr -2018-0024 Popular Culture and the Dilemma of Corruption in Nigeria Adekunle A. Ibrahim * , Samuel Otu Ishaya ** University of Uyo, Nigeria Abstract This paper examines the nexus between popular culture and the problem of corruption in Nigeria within the theoretical framework of the Socratic dictum that “the unexamined life is not worth living”. The paper argues that corruption is a social behavior that is propelled by popular culture and sustained by skewed application of logical thinking in critical decision making. Hence, the paper posits that formal education remains the bedrock upon which corruption can be curtailed and also equips people with logical tools to examine their actions as individuals and its consequences on the larger society. Keywords : corruption, critical thinking, constructive criticism, popular culture, mental reorientation Introduction Corruption in any society is perpetrated under specific and concrete social, economic and political circumstances. The level of tolerance or otherwise of corruption in a given society is a function of the economic system, the character of state actors, the social structure as well as the dominant social values and laws of the country. But most importantly, corruption thrives in societies where there is total disregard for logical procedures, and where critical thinking is relegated to mere academic exercise. In Nigeria, for example, economic and social development has * Faculty of Arts, Department of Philosophy, University of Uyo, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom Ibom State, Nigeria; adekunleibrahim@uniuyo.edu.ng ** Faculty of Arts, Department of Philosophy, University of Uyo, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom Ibom State, Nigeria; samuelishaya@uniuyo.edu.ng