AUTONOMY AND CREATIVITY IN ‘EPELI HAU‘OFA AND THE LO‘AU UNIVERSITY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION FOR THINKING

Abstract

The spirit of autonomy and creativity in Epeli Hau‘ofa’s writings that relate to the philosophy of the Lo‘au University of education for thinking is explored here. For Hau‘ofa, the spirit of free thinking aids Moanan (Pacific people) to redefine their identity in Moana (Oceania) and worldwide. The philosophy of education for thinking is applied here to highlight that a degree of autonomy and creativ- ity can be planted and grown in Moana. Free thinking ought to be central to research projects that strive for autonomy and creativity if twenty-first century Moanan people want their intellectualism to be a permanent feature in societies that have become increasingly complex