Rectifying Historical Injustice: Debating the Supersession Thesis

The book examines the supersession thesis in the context of historical injustice, exploring its reconstruction, challenge, and application to empirical cases such as Indigenous peoples, linguistic injustice, and climate change. It includes contributions from established and junior scholars from various disciplines and concludes with a reply by Jeremy Waldron.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Calls for redress of historical wrongs frequently grab global attention, sparking spirited debates about the appropriate scope of justice. Opinions vary widely on whether justice should primarily focus on correcting past wrongs or addressing claims arising from current disadvantages. Proponents and skeptics of restitution, compensation, and other forms of historical redress engage in lively discussions about the possibility of overcoming historical injustice and the impact of changing circumstances on the demands of justice in the future.

One prominent thesis, known as the "supersession thesis," was developed by legal and political philosopher Jeremy Waldron. This thesis posits that historical injustice can be superseded by subsequent events and circumstances, altering what justice later requires. While this thesis has gained traction in academic circles, it has also faced conceptual and practical challenges.

In this groundbreaking book, a team of esteemed scholars critically examines the supersession thesis from various perspectives. They explore its potential reconstruction, challenges, and applications to empirical cases, with a particular focus on issues such as Indigenous peoples, linguistic injustice, and climate change. The edited volume features contributions from established and junior scholars from diverse fields, including philosophy, law, American Indian Studies, and political science. These scholars draw upon Indigenous thought, settler colonial theory, liberalism, theories of historical entitlements, and structural injustice theories to shed light on the complexities of the supersession thesis.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy, showcasing the cutting-edge research and insights in this field. The book offers a comprehensive examination of the temporal orientation of justice, raising important questions about the role of history, responsibility, and the pursuit of justice in a changing world.

In conclusion, this book is a vital contribution to the ongoing discussions about historical injustice and its implications for contemporary society. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the supersession thesis, challenging readers to reevaluate their understanding of justice and its relationship to the past. By exploring a range of empirical cases and drawing on diverse theoretical frameworks, the book offers valuable insights into the complexities of addressing historical wrongs and promoting a more inclusive and equitable future.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032301822