In our personal and professional lives, criticism is inevitable. However, not all criticism is ethically instituted and not all that are convincingly enunciated. As a philosopher who values constructive dialogue, I’ve identified various forms of criticism that can either promote growth or hinder progress. These different criticisms are carefully coined by me to guide those who might want to criticize political leaders or any other persons for accountability.

Michael Eneyo

Criticism: From philosophical lens, criticism is the analysis and judgement of merits and faults of literary or artistic work. In our everyday usage, it is an expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes. Judging from the first definition above, it is clear that criticism is not always negative, it can be a positive assessment of a thing or a person. Below are types of criticism for succinct understanding.

1. Comparative Criticism: This is a form of criticism in which the critic compares the performance of the person being criticized with his own performance or with that of others, whether in support or against without the use of abusive or insulting words. Comparative criticism is a somewhat healthy criticism if the sole aim is to weigh or compare performance.
2. Competitive Criticism: This is when criticism is done basically on the basis of competition. Sometimes, it can be geared towards favorable growth and development, while in some cases, it is irrational and unnecessary competition. The irrational criticism always comes when a person feels someone else is performing better than he is, or performs better than the person he is defending or supporting. It is often driven by irrational competition to discredit the authenticity of others. It also emerges when individuals feel threatened by someone else’s success. Competitive criticism can lead to unnecessary conflict and hinder collective growth. However, a well intended competitive criticism can bring about growth and development.
3. Destructive Criticism: This is criticism targeted to destroy a particular person which in the long run, can amount to the destruction of everybody within the domain. It was on this, that I warned in my Philosophy of Unity that a destruction of a part, is always the destruction of the whole. This harmful approach aims to demolish a person’s reputation or worth. As I emphasized in my Philosophy of Unity, when you deny a part, there is no way you can get the whole. So destroying one part can have far-reaching, detrimental consequences to everyone including the critic.
4. Constructive Criticism: This type of criticism will first recognise and appreciate the good work of the person while concomitantly highlighting the weakness of the person in some areas and also give suggestions on how the perceived errors can be corrected. It means that the critic will first of all acknowledge and appreciate an individual’s strengths while at the same time, tactfully addressing the weaknesses of the person and then, offers actionable suggestions.
5. False Criticism:This is criticism built on falsehood. In most cases, such criticism is maliciously initiated to tarnish the integrity and reputation of a person. False criticism is mostly maliciously initiated. It spreads misinformation to tarnish someone’s reputation. This unethical approach can cause irreparable harm.
6. Factual Criticism: This is criticism that is rooted in fact. Such criticism doesn’t attract insult to the person being criticized. Factual criticism is rooted in verifiable facts. It focuses on the issue rather than the person. This can promote a more respectful and productive dialogue between and among parties.

7.Evidence-Based Criticism:This is a sound criticism that is supported with clear evidence. It is supported by concrete evidence, this sound approach facilitates informed discussions and meaningful growth.

8. Empirically Driven Criticism: This is criticism that is based on the physical instances that can be verified. Based on verifiable instances, empirically driven criticism provides a reliable foundation for constructive feedback.
9. Paid Criticism: This is when a person is paid to tarnish the image of another by making false claims against the person. When individuals are compensated to discredit others through false claims, the integrity of criticism is compromised.
10. Sycophant Criticism: This is criticism based on sycophant in others to gain favour from others. It is motivated by a desire to gain favor, sycophant criticism prioritizes self-interest over genuine improvement.
11. Hate Criticism:when criticism is done purely on the ground of hatred for a person, it can be tagged “hate criticism”. More often, hate criticism is driven by malice, its criticism targets individuals rather than issues and hinders constructive dialogue.
12. Issue-Based Criticism: When criticism is based on the issue at stake and not on the people involved, such criticism can be termed issue-based. It focuses on the topic at hand and not on issues that are off the context. Issue-based criticism promotes a more objective and respectful exchange for improvement and development.

While I encourage more criticisms from well meaning Nigerians to keep politicians on their political mandates, it is instructive to ensure that such criticisms are done constructively and not destructively.

 Michael Eneyo