Lifescience 2A03 Tut 1
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 quantitaive 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).
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.
Dialogue can become a tool for social cohabitation, as well as for discovering and enhancing knowledge
European colonization has eroded and destroyed much of this traditional knowledge by replacing it with Western educational and cultural systems. The trend towards a global culture might even worsen this situation and enhance a process of cultural homogenization
Traditional methods seem to be better suited to coping with the uncertainty and unpredictability that are viewed as intrinsic characteristics of natural systems
includes the appropriate use of language in his work. When studying plants that have been identified through traditional knowledge, he uses only the original Indigenous name for the plant, not the English common name or Latin scientific one, leading to some pushback in grant applications, and it means he must think carefully about where to submit the work for publication, but it’s a way to show respect.
both try to advance knowledge of natural world
Indigenous - survival of individuaklys, medicine (plants and herbs), sustainability , climate change
Western - economics, politicas