In general, how did philosophers grant Indians land titles?

Philosophers traditionally granted land titles to Indigenous peoples primarily by recognizing their right of occupancy. This concept is rooted in the idea that Indigenous peoples had a pre-existing and inherent connection to their lands long before external authorities or settlers arrived. Philosophers argued that the rightful claim to land is based on the established usage and occupation rather than mere discovery or conquest.

This philosophical stance emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the relationship that Indigenous communities maintained with their territories over generations. It supported the notion that their longstanding presence on the land entitled them to rights and ownership, reinforcing the moral and ethical argument against the arbitrary appropriation of land by colonizers.

Other methods, such as state legislation or military enforcement, do not align with this philosophical framework, as they often disregarded the rights and existence of the original occupants. Meanwhile, awarding land patents is a more formalized legal mechanism typically associated with government action rather than philosophical recognition of occupancy. Thus, the concept of recognizing the right of occupancy stands out as the most appropriate answer, reflecting a foundational perspective on land rights.