Krushil Watene
Associate Professor, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau (New Zealand)
Krushil Watene's research addresses fundamental questions in moral and political philosophy, particularly those related to well-being, development, and justice. Her primary areas of expertise include mainstream theories of well-being and justice (particularly the capability approach), obligations to future generations, and indigenous (particularly Māori) philosophies. Her research pioneers high-level discussions of indigenous concepts in global justice theorizing, grounded in research that demonstrates the central role of local indigenous communities.
Indigenous Philosophies and Intergenerational Justice
This paper details several insights for the pursuit and realization of intergenerational justice that Indigenous philosophies contain. Following an explanation of some key Māori concepts in particular, the paper outlines an intergenerational orientation that situates these concepts in ways that chart pathways through complex intergenerational challenges. In this manner, the paper describes how Indigenous philosophies: enhance relationships through regenerative practices, invest in relational repair, and enable the ongoing transformation of concepts and ideas toward new imaginaries. This paper ends by articulating several practical implications that follow on from these philosophical insights - all of which are vital for enabling climate justice. The paper highlights how Indigenous philosophies support: empowering local communities, rethinking responsibilities, and enabling innovation. In so doing, the paper notes some of the ways that policies and processes can be such that they function to realize intergenerational justice and ground an enduring sense of responsibility to its pursuit and realization.