Abstract

What is the place of worldviews in general and indigenous philosophy in particular in legal-political discussions on the regulation of the relationship between states and indigenous peoples? Canadian aboriginal philosopher Dale Turner provides the starting-point for the discussion of this issue. Turner takes a restrictive view of the use of arguments based on worldviews understood as indigenous spirituality and indigenous philosophy in the public use of reason. According to Turner, it is difficult to translate such arguments, based on worldviews, but they must be incorporated somehow in the public political debate. Turner’s position is examined, based on John Rawls’ and Jürgen Habermas’ thoughts on public use of reason in the political community. The article concludes with a discussion of Turner’s delimitation of philosophy and metaphysics.