Academic Scientific JournalsArgumentative aspects of disputes over return of cultural objects lost to colonial powers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26881/gsm.2020.18.06Keywords:
argumentation, colonialism, cultural heritage, hard case, restitutionAbstract
The aim of the paper is to analyse elements of argumentative discourse on return of cultural objects lost to colonial powers during the colonial era. Loss of these objects took place prior to establishing legal norms on protection of cultural heritage, therefore nations and peoples raising the requests for their return often rely on others means of dispute resolution than judicial recourse. Arguments from justice and cultural affiliation form a core of argumentation supporting the requests for return of the objects in question, whereas arguments from the ownership, passage of time, social utility and the most secure place are often used to argue for the retention. Variety of arguments shows a diversity of interests present in the context of the future of cultural goods. The author offers examples of the usage of arguments in legal instruments and within restitution dispute.
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