Indigenous Australian Philosophy

While a variety of factors have shaped the diversity of Indigenous Australian philosophy and practices across the Australian continent, one of the central characteristics of the Aboriginal worldview is the concept of the ‘Dreaming’. Outline some of the key aspects of this belief system and reflect on this in comparison to your own worldview.
The Dreaming laid down the path for the Aboriginal way of life, and it dictates their knowledge, faith, law, behaviour and societal customs. In Australia, there are many different Aboriginal Clans, each Aboriginal Clan has their own interpretation and name for The Dreaming. Even today Aboriginal People are connected to The Dreaming through their beliefs and rituals. Whilst Aboriginal societies may seem complicated to an outsider this beautiful culture fosters a sense of belonging, respect, harmony and conservation. Three aspects of The Dreaming are the Ancestral Beings, kinship to Ruwi and respect of the laws.
The Dreaming consisted of Ancestral Beings who rose from the earth and water, then travelled the land sculpting the earth. The Ancestral Beings took on the forms of humans, animals, plants and even combinations of these forms. The Ancestral Beings created the people, plants, animals and kinships between these key. Many of the geographical features of the land can be linked to the Ancestral Beings, and to the events played out during The Dreaming period. The Ancestral Beings created the laws and a path to be followed for future generations. These laws must be followed in order to ensure a balance and a continuation of life and harmony.
Furthermore, Aboriginal People are devoted to their land. Watson explains that Aboriginal People do not see the land as a commodity that can be owned or sold, they are a part of their land, and their land has its own spirit. Aboriginal People live a stable and sustainable lifestyle and only take food that is needed. When food is taken from the land, they must give thanks to the land as a