Knowledge Builders

what is the relationship and coexistence between indigenous knowledge and western science

by Guadalupe Schaden MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Western science has always pushed aside indigenous knowledge, but in facing climate change and its impacts they are beginning to seek Aboriginal help. In order to tackle land and sea management, Aborigines and western investors are creating conservation partnerships.

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Do we need to integrate Indigenous Science?

While there is increased interest in integrating Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge in various disciplines such as anthropology and ethnobiology, integration projects are often accused of recognizing Indigenous knowledge only insofar as it is useful for Western scientists.

What is the difference between Western and indigenous?

Westerners are indigenous in their own countries. Indigenous knowledge is sustainable lifestyles that acknowledge and honour the environment and beings that share it. The West accumulates knowledge as consumption, setting goals and following through with action.

What are the different types of indigenous knowledge?

Knowledge such as scientific, agricultural, technical as well as ecological knowledge is all part of the Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge has some distinct features that are not seen in Western science traditions.

How does Western science differ from traditional knowledge?

Western science favours analytical and reductionist methods as opposed to the more intuitive and holistic view often found in traditional knowledge. Western science is positivist and materialist in contrast to traditional knowledge, which is spiritual and does not make distinctions between empirical and sacred (Nakashima & Roué, 2002).

Why is Western knowledge so contrasting to Indigenous knowledge?

What is the difference between Western and Indigenous knowledge?

What are the tenets of African and Western psychology?

How are oral Indigenous knowledge systems different from written Western science traditions?

What is the significance of the diversity of Indigenous Australians?

How has Australian indigenous knowledge advanced?

What was the impact of colonization on the indigenous people?

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What is the relationship between indigenous knowledge and science?

What is the relationship between Indigenous Knowledge and science? Scientists generally distinguish between scientific knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge by claiming science is universal whereas Indigenous Knowledge relates only to particular people and their understanding of the world.

How does indigenous knowledge overlap with Western science?

As ways of knowing, Western and Indigenous Knowledge share several important and fundamental attributes. Both are constantly verified through repetition and verification, inference and prediction, empirical observations and recognition of pattern events.

What is the difference between Western science and indigenous knowledge?

Western science is objective and quantitative as opposed to traditional knowledge, which is mainly subjective and qualitative. Western science is based on an academic and literate transmission, while traditional knowledge is often passed on orally from one generation to the next by the elders.

Is there a conflict between Western science and indigenous knowledge?

The conflict between indigenous methods of knowledge-production and the Western scientific paradigm is often expressed through traumatic and destructive hybridity (a concept discussed at length in Chapter 4), and is often resolved through hybridity that is productive and allows for synthesis.

What is the role of indigenous knowledge in the development of science?

Indigenous knowledge provides specific views of the world held by various indigenous peoples. It offers different views on nature and science that generally differ from traditional Western science. Futhermore, it introduces different perspectives on nature and the human in nature.

What is the role of indigenous science in the development of science and Technology essay?

Indigenous Science has a very crucial part in the development of Science and Technology. Indigenous Science is the scientific knowledge of all people who are cultural participants and are affected by the worldview and interests of their home communities and homeland.

What is the difference between Western and indigenous?

Indigenous cultures focus on a holistic understanding of the whole that emerged from the millennium of their existence and experiences. Traditional Western worldviews tend to be more concerned with science and concentrate on compartmentalized knowledge and then focus on understanding the bigger, related picture.

What is the difference between indigenous knowledge and indigenous science?

Indigenous science incorporates traditional knowledge and Indigenous perspectives, while non-Indigenous scientific approaches are commonly recognized as Western science. Together, they contribute substantially to modern science.

What is the difference between traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge?

The distinction between traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge relates to the holders rather than the knowledge per se. Traditional knowledge is a broader category that includes indigenous knowledge as a type of traditional knowledge held by indigenous communities.

What are some examples of Indigenous Knowledge?

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) have been proven to contribute to the sustainability and productivity of many ecosystems, examples of which include the rice terraces and imuyung (private woodlot of the Ifugao, the traditional biodiverse swidden of the Hanunuo, the fish conservation practices of ...

What is the meaning of Indigenous Knowledge system?

Local and indigenous knowledge refers to the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies with long histories of interaction with their natural surroundings. For rural and indigenous peoples, local knowledge informs decision-making about fundamental aspects of day-to-day life.

What do you think indigenous science should be considered science?

Indigenous science is the science developed by Indigenous peoples outside accepted scientific research. You can think about it as the process by which Indigenous peoples acquired knowledge of the natural world around them. Some Indigenous peoples are attempting to incorporate scientific knowledge into their practices.

What is the difference between traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge?

The distinction between traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge relates to the holders rather than the knowledge per se. Traditional knowledge is a broader category that includes indigenous knowledge as a type of traditional knowledge held by indigenous communities.

What do you think Indigenous science should be considered science?

Indigenous science is the science developed by Indigenous peoples outside accepted scientific research. You can think about it as the process by which Indigenous peoples acquired knowledge of the natural world around them. Some Indigenous peoples are attempting to incorporate scientific knowledge into their practices.

What are some examples of indigenous knowledge?

The Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) have been proven to contribute to the sustainability and productivity of many ecosystems, examples of which include the rice terraces and imuyung (private woodlot of the Ifugao, the traditional biodiverse swidden of the Hanunuo, the fish conservation practices of ...

What are Western knowledge systems?

1. The WSKs is a term which comprises of the social norms, ethical values, traditional customs (such as beliefs) and specific artefacts and technologies as shared within the Western sphere of influence.

Difference between indigenous knowledge system and western ... - Answers

the difference between IK and western scientfic knpwledge is ,indegenous knowledge is unique to a particular culture and society ,where as western scientfic view is universally accepted .onthe ...

The Importance Of Western And Indigenous Knowledge

Furthermore, since knowledge is a process that never ends and continues throughout our entire life, we must keep reevaluating and reassessing it, and then decide whether to continue our exploration of more knowledge; or start forgetting and discarding it.

What are Indigenous and Western Ways of Knowing? - CRIAW-ICREF

Risks of trying to integrate these knowledges There are risks associated with trying to integrate Indigenous and Western ways of knowing because philosophical differences and vast power inequalities favour settler traditions.

Integrating Western and Indigenous Knowledge Systems: The Basis for ...

International Review of Education (2007) 53:577-591 ? Springer 2007 DOI 10.1007/slll59-007-9056-x INTEGRATING WESTERN AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: THE BASIS FOR EFFECTIVE SCIENCE EDUCATION

Why is Western knowledge so contrasting to Indigenous knowledge?

Because Western knowledge is so contrasting to Indigenous knowledge, many scientists of the western tradition have little interest in Indigenous knowledge, nor the benefits of such knowledge.

What is the difference between Western and Indigenous knowledge?

A large discrepancy between western and Indigenous knowledge is the relation to nature. The Western tradition divide nature and human, while the Indigenous tradition levels humanity to nature. Because of colonialism, the world became a place to be conquered and those who were conquered were to be assimilated into the colonial ways of life.

What are the tenets of African and Western psychology?

tenets of African and Western psychology will be discussed. Recognising Western’s goal for individualisation contrasting African’s goal for socialisation. Testing the validity of Indigenous knowledge systems by observing the upbringing of the Samoan Fa’afafine as well as contrasting the two perspectives in terms of orientation towards nature, time, human activity and orientation. We begin by defining the fundamental principles of psychology, then stating the western and indigenous approaches to psychology

How are oral Indigenous knowledge systems different from written Western science traditions?

How are oral Indigenous knowledge systems different from written Western science traditions? Indigenous knowledge comprise of all knowledge pertaining to particular people and its region, with the nature of knowledge transmission being primarily oral via generations. Knowledge such as scientific, agricultural, technical as well as ecological knowledge is all part of the Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge has some distinct features that are not seen in Western science traditions. Unlike

What is the significance of the diversity of Indigenous Australians?

1. Outline the diversity of Indigenous Australian peoples (~250 words) Indigenous Australian peoples are rich in cultural, linguistic, and historical diversity, which highlight the impact of Indigenous communities on civilization and the knowledge traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Indigenous Australians have cultural diversity partly due to their inclusion of non-tribal members and crossing of geographical boundaries in nation-states (Rumsey 1993). Rumsey’s point

How has Australian indigenous knowledge advanced?

Australian indigenous knowledge and culture in education In the last 60,000 years Australian indigenous knowledge has advanced through generations. Unlike western culture where knowledge becomes known through written text 's,Indigenous knowledge is developed by images, words, patterns, sounds, smells and tastes on different canvases such as sand, soil, the body and rocks (Blair 2008). Furthermore, Since British colonisation in 1788 threats to traditional indigenous knowledge existed then and more

What was the impact of colonization on the indigenous people?

The western colonizers have always felt their belief systems and science were superior to others . This feeling of superiority has influenced the remaining indigenous people greatly.

How does Indigenous knowledge help in science?

The inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, informal lessons, and place-based instruction in science curricula has shown many positive results in both the classroom and laboratory. Inviting Alaska Native Elders and researchers into local classrooms to co-instruct scientific concepts has increased student understanding and engagement. Field trips further expose students to research conducted on Alaska’s North Slope underlining the environmental and cultural implications of local community issues and the broader scientific concerns. Teaching students the traditional ways of knowing and the correlating Western science concepts develops an appreciation for both perspectives that directly strengthens students’ knowledge and reinforces cultural values.

What is the motivation for a focus on indigenous knowledge, science, and technology?

The motivation for a focus on indigenous (African) knowledge, science, and technology is fairly easy to explain, especially when one considers the denigration, suppression, and exploitation of traditional knowledge systems during and even after colonialism.

What is IPBES in biodiversity?

One of the clearly stated intentions of the Inter governmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is to bring both ‘western scientific’ and ‘indigenous and local’ knowledge systems within synthetic global, regional and thematic assessments. A major challenge will be how to use, and quality-assure, information derived from different knowledge systems. We test how indigenous and local knowledge on natural resources in Miskito and Mayangna communities in Nicaragua, validated through focus groups with community members, compares with information collected on line transects by trained scientists. Both provide comparable data on natural resource abundance, but focus groups are eight times cheaper. Such approaches could increase the amount and geographical scope of information available for assessments at all levels, while simultaneously empowering indigenous and local communities who generally have limited engagement in such processes.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

What are the two crucial points of fostering the integration of science and IK?

politics and law act as crucial points of fostering the integration of science and IK.

Does science hold water?

science tends to come up with generalized explanations, does not hold water. Some

Is methods of gatherin g e vidence scientific?

methods of gatherin g e vidence makes it scientific. Science overlooks the many benefits of

Why is indigenous knowledge important?

In addition, traditional or indigenous knowledge has been rediscovered as a model for a healthy interaction with, and use of, the environment, and as a rich source to be tapped into in order to gain new perspectives about the relationship between humans and nature.

What is the difference between traditional knowledge and Western science?

Still, there is a vast body of literature on such comparisons between Western science and traditional knowledge systems, which has identified various characteristics and opposing views. Western science favours analytical and reductionist methods as opposed to the more intuitive and holistic view often found in traditional knowledge. Western science is positivist and materialist in contrast to traditional knowledge, which is spiritual and does not make distinctions between empirical and sacred (Nakashima & Roué, 2002). Western science is objective and quantitative as opposed to traditional knowledge, which is mainly subjective and qualitative. Western science is based on an academic and literate transmission, while traditional knowledge is often passed on orally from one generation to the next by the elders. Western science isolates its objects of study from their vital context by putting them in simplified and controllable experimental environments—which also means that scientists separate themselves from nature, the object of their studies;-by contrast, traditional knowledge always depends on its context and particular local conditions (Nakashima & Roué, 2002).

What is the goal of knowledge creation?

According to the classic epistemological approach, the creation of knowledge is a process of qualitative refinement and quantitative accumulation. Its goal is to disclose the ultimate foundation—the ‘meta' point of view from where we can see the ontological order and the objective truth—and to provide a neutral and universal language to explain natural phenomena (Ceruti, 1986).

How do traditional knowledge systems work?

In general, traditional knowledge systems adopt a more holistic approach , and do not separate observations into different disciplines as does Western science (Iaccarino, 2003). Moreover, traditional knowledge systems do not interpret reality on the basis of a linear conception of cause and effect, but rather as a world made up of constantly forming multidimensional cycles in which all elements are part of an entangled and complex web of interactions (Freeman, 1992). Of course, there is always the risk of oversimplifying by reducing the things of interest to essentials and/or dichotomies. However, from this brief overview of the dissimilarities, we can gain an understanding of how hard it is to compare two systems of knowledge that are so profoundly different. Trying to analyse and validate traditional knowledge systems by using external (scientific) criteria carries the risk of distorting such systems in the process. At the same time, we cannot extract just those parts of traditional knowledge that seem to measure up to scientific criteria and ignore the rest. This process of cognitive mining would atomize the overall system and threaten traditional knowledge with dispossession (Nakashima & Roué, 2002).

How do humans gain knowledge?

In all cultures, humans have gained knowledge by conceptualizing empirical observations to better understand nature, and thus interpret and predict it (Iaccarino, 2003). The problem is how to study and analyse indigenous knowledge and belief systems. Of course, we cannot depend only on their empirical aspects, but must embrace their specific worldviews. It is not possible to simply reduce them to practical knowledge that is exclusively based on experience as opposed to theoretical knowledge, which is developed through deductive or inductive reasoning. In any case, discovering the fundamental principles of dealing with nature in many far-off cultures is not an easy task. Western science—which is deeply rooted both in the philosophy of Ancient Greece and the Renaissance—and traditional knowledge systems have developed radically different strategies to create and transmit knowledge, and it is exceedingly difficult to analyse one form of knowledge using the criteria of another tradition.

What is traditional knowledge?

Traditional knowledge has developed a concept of the environment that emphasizes the symbiotic character of humans and nature. It offers an approach to local development that is based on co-evolution with the environment, and on respecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems. This knowledge—based on long-term empirical observations adapted to local conditions—ensures a sound use and control of the environment, and enables indigenous people to adapt to environmental changes. Moreover, it supplies much of the world's population with the principal means to fulfil their basic needs, and forms the basis for decisions and strategies in many practical aspects, including interpretation of meteorological phenomena, medical treatment, water management, production of clothing, navigation, agriculture and husbandry, hunting and fishing, and biological classification systems (Nakashima & Roué, 2002). Beyond its obvious benefit for the people who rely on this knowledge, it might provide humanity as a whole with new biological and ecological insights; it has potential value for the management of natural resources, and might be useful in conservation education as well as in development planning and environmental assessment (The World Conservation Union, 1986).

Why is dialogue only possible?

All humans from all cultural backgrounds have the same biological nature. At the same time, however, a dialogue is only possible because there is diversity at various levels. Eliminating these differences or staying in rigid isolation eliminates the conditions needed for a potentially mutually beneficial converse.

Why is indigenous knowledge important?

In addition, traditional or indigenous knowledge has been rediscovered as a model for a healthy interaction with, and use of, the environment, and as a rich source to be tapped into in order to gain new perspectives about the relationship between humans and nature.

What is the difference between traditional knowledge and Western science?

Still, there is a vast body of literature on such comparisons between Western science and traditional knowledge systems, which has identified various characteristics and opposing views. Western science favours analytical and reductionist methods as opposed to the more intuitive and holistic view often found in traditional knowledge. Western science is positivist and materialist in contrast to traditional knowledge, which is spiritual and does not make distinctions between empirical and sacred (Nakashima & Roué, 2002). Western science is objective and quantitative as opposed to traditional knowledge, which is mainly subjective and qualitative. Western science is based on an academic and literate transmission, while traditional knowledge is often passed on orally from one generation to the next by the elders. Western science isolates its objects of study from their vital context by putting them in simplified and controllable experimental environments—which also means that scientists separate themselves from nature, the object of their studies;-by contrast, traditional knowledge always depends on its context and particular local conditions (Nakashima & Roué, 2002).

How do traditional knowledge systems work?

In general, traditional knowledge systems adopt a more holistic approach, and do not separate observations into different disciplines as does Western science ( Iaccarino, 2003 ). Moreover, traditional knowledge systems do not interpret reality on the basis of a linear conception of cause and effect, but rather as a world made up of constantly forming multidimensional cycles in which all elements are part of an entangled and complex web of interactions (Freeman, 1992). Of course, there is always the risk of oversimplifying by reducing the things of interest to essentials and/or dichotomies. However, from this brief overview of the dissimilarities, we can gain an understanding of how hard it is to compare two systems of knowledge that are so profoundly different. Trying to analyse and validate traditional knowledge systems by using external (scientific) criteria carries the risk of distorting such systems in the process. At the same time, we cannot extract just those parts of traditional knowledge that seem to measure up to scientific criteria and ignore the rest. This process of cognitive mining would atomize the overall system and threaten traditional knowledge with dispossession (Nakashima & Roué, 2002).

What do indigenous people know?

No universal definition is available, and many terms are used to establish what indigenous people know (Berkes, 1993), including traditional knowledge or traditional ecological knowledge, local knowledge, indigenous knowledge or science, folk knowledge, farmers’ knowledge, fishers’ knowledge and tacit knowledge.

How do cultures view nature?

Cultures from all over the world have developed different views of nature throughout human history. Many of them are rooted in traditional systems of beliefs, which indigenous people use to understand and interpret their biophysical environment (Iaccarino, 2003). These systems of managing the environment constitute an integral part of the cultural identity and social integrity of many indigenous populations. At the same time, their knowledge embodies a wealth of wisdom and experience of nature gained over millennia from direct observations, and transmitted—most often orally—over generations.

How do humans gain knowledge?

In all cultures, humans have gained knowledge by conceptualizing empirical observations to better understand nature, and thus interpret and predict it (Iaccarino, 2003). The problem is how to study and analyse indigenous knowledge and belief systems.

What is the meaning of the word "indigenous"?

Another widely used word, ‘indigenous’, is meant to highlight the autochthonous nature of this knowledge, but it might overlook knowledge from populations who are not officially recognized as indigenous. The word ‘local’ can be applied to different geographic contexts, but it lacks specificity.

Why is Western knowledge so contrasting to Indigenous knowledge?

Because Western knowledge is so contrasting to Indigenous knowledge, many scientists of the western tradition have little interest in Indigenous knowledge, nor the benefits of such knowledge.

What is the difference between Western and Indigenous knowledge?

A large discrepancy between western and Indigenous knowledge is the relation to nature. The Western tradition divide nature and human, while the Indigenous tradition levels humanity to nature. Because of colonialism, the world became a place to be conquered and those who were conquered were to be assimilated into the colonial ways of life.

What are the tenets of African and Western psychology?

tenets of African and Western psychology will be discussed. Recognising Western’s goal for individualisation contrasting African’s goal for socialisation. Testing the validity of Indigenous knowledge systems by observing the upbringing of the Samoan Fa’afafine as well as contrasting the two perspectives in terms of orientation towards nature, time, human activity and orientation. We begin by defining the fundamental principles of psychology, then stating the western and indigenous approaches to psychology

How are oral Indigenous knowledge systems different from written Western science traditions?

How are oral Indigenous knowledge systems different from written Western science traditions? Indigenous knowledge comprise of all knowledge pertaining to particular people and its region, with the nature of knowledge transmission being primarily oral via generations. Knowledge such as scientific, agricultural, technical as well as ecological knowledge is all part of the Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge has some distinct features that are not seen in Western science traditions. Unlike

What is the significance of the diversity of Indigenous Australians?

1. Outline the diversity of Indigenous Australian peoples (~250 words) Indigenous Australian peoples are rich in cultural, linguistic, and historical diversity, which highlight the impact of Indigenous communities on civilization and the knowledge traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Indigenous Australians have cultural diversity partly due to their inclusion of non-tribal members and crossing of geographical boundaries in nation-states (Rumsey 1993). Rumsey’s point

How has Australian indigenous knowledge advanced?

Australian indigenous knowledge and culture in education In the last 60,000 years Australian indigenous knowledge has advanced through generations. Unlike western culture where knowledge becomes known through written text 's,Indigenous knowledge is developed by images, words, patterns, sounds, smells and tastes on different canvases such as sand, soil, the body and rocks (Blair 2008). Furthermore, Since British colonisation in 1788 threats to traditional indigenous knowledge existed then and more

What was the impact of colonization on the indigenous people?

The western colonizers have always felt their belief systems and science were superior to others . This feeling of superiority has influenced the remaining indigenous people greatly.

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Introduction

Braiding Our Knowledge

Shared Knowledge Systems: Strengthened Solutions

Community Knowledge Keepers

Collectively Held Knowledge

Ask The “Experts”

Decolonizing Our Approach

  • Module 3 outlines the possible avenues for braiding together Western and Indigenous knowledge systems in the interest of collaborative solutions within climate action solutions. Western science offers important data, research and expertise that when tied together with Indigenous sciences embolden collaborative responses and sustainable outcomes wit...
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