Abstract

This paper addresses the methodological challenges inherent in collaborative research endeavours focused on the development of Indigenous philosophy. It argues that these challenges persist due to a lack of recognition of the autonomy and intrinsic philosophical value of ethno-philosophy or Indigenous philosophy. Despite the United Nations acknowledging the significance of indigenous worldviews and their philosophical underpinnings, they are still yet to be fully integrated into the global knowledge domain. The paper highlights the tendency to view indigenous philosophy solely as a cultural asset of indigenous peoples rather than recognizing its broader philosophical relevance. It identifies this as a critical interdisciplinary research problem, emphasizing that approaches that seek to instrumentalize indigenous philosophy for sustainable development are inherently flawed. The paper aims to delve into the fundamental philosophical disparities between modern worldviews and those of indigenous communities, asserting that without addressing these disparities, collaborative research efforts in this realm will be superficial and ultimately unproductive.