The aim of the sub-group is to establish a network of Arctic philosophers of law and scholars interested in legal philosophy in the Arctic, to conduct research and to exchange research ideas. Research concerning philosophy of law in the Arctic is interdisciplinary: between law, philosophy, anthropology, politics, history, cultural studies, etc. The sub-group is to “gather” both Western and Indigenous scholars.
The two main questions
The research aim of the sub-group is to (to try to) answer these two questions:
The main topics of the philosophy of law in the Arctic
These topics are as follows:
The sub-group exchanges and shares ideas. It is a forum for wide spreading information. The sub-group also organises academic events like seminars. The sub-group members publish together, too. Joint writing or funding applications are appreciated activities. The members take part in conferences and seminars, giving presentations. They give invited lectures as well.
The sub-group has published these two books so far:
Dr. Dawid Bunikowski, an ethnic Pole (from the Kocievian group) based in Finnish North Karelia and a legal philosopher, has been the leader of the subgroup since its beginning (2015). He also initiated this network. In 2022, he was granted the academic title of a docent “in the field of the philosophy of law in the Arctic” by the University of Lapland on the request of the Arctic Centre. It's the only title of its kind in the world. He is affiliated at the University of Eastern Finland (in the Philosophical Faculty). Among many activities and positions, he holds the professorship position in Poland and teaches (jurisprudence) in Guyana.
Currently, there are 29 members from different countries (Austria, Canada, England, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Sweden, USA) and with different academic backgrounds (law, cultural ecology, international relations, public health, anthropology, ethnology, environmental studies, history of religion, philosophy, Native American studies, human rights, social sciences like sociology).
If you would like to become a member, please write to Dawid Bunikowski (email: dawidbu@uef.fi). Send the following information:
By joining the sub-group, you are automatically included in the main Thematic Network on Arctic Law and will also receive periodic updates by email from them.
By joining the sub-group, you consent to receive emails with news of opportunities, events and publications by the sub-group leader and, at times (rather sporadically), by other members in the sub-group. The mailing list is managed by Dawid Bunikowski at the University of Eastern Finland. You may withdraw from the list by emailing dawidbu@uef.fi at any time. There are no other rights or obligations attached to membership.
Attached are the examples of chosen reports of the sub-group (for 2017, 2021 and 2023).
Nowadays, some of the sub-group members are working on a book on sacred places in the Arctic and beyond (for Routledge). See more here: https://arctic.lapinamk.fi/en/sacred-places/ and there: https://www.routledge.com/Sacred-Places-in-the-Arctic-and-Beyond-Cultural-and-Existential-Transitions/Joy-Dillon-Bunikowski/p/book/9781032973739. The book is co-edited by F. Joy (Lapland), P. Dillon (Exeter), and D. Bunikowski (UEF), who all are the members of the-sub-group. It shall be released in mid-2026.
