Abstract
In this article I want to draw upon examples from European settlement
in the Americas, Australasia and South Africa in order to argue that modern
colonisation and imperialism, despite considerable variation, drew upon a
range of justificatory principles which constituted a background theory, or
worldview, that was invoked in part or in its entirety in justifying the civilising
mission which was viewed by its proponents as both a right and a duty. I begin
by showing how the infamous ‘Requirement’ (‘Requerimiento’) of 1513
becomes intelligible as a performative utterance when connected to the constellation
of ideas which makes it warrantably assertible, to use John Dewey’s
terminology. It is not so much about the land or its use in conceptual terms but
instead about the larger value judgements the colonists were applying. It is
contended that despite the variation in emphases and conclusions, and the different
levels of discourse at which justifications are offered, the efficacy and
veracity of colonial and imperialist justifications invoke the authority of the
world of ideas in which the assertions alone have intelligibility.