In today's class our group discussed Indigenous American Philosophy. Many North American tribes significant beliefs derived from their special identity with nature. Contrary to common Western Philosophy (the book refers to Francis Bacon and Genesis) of human beings being placed on Earth to have dominion over all other creatures, Indigenous Americans believed they were just another part of nature. They believed that they were one with nature and since human beings are so dependent on it, they had a responsibility to the world. Hunting tribes would acknowledge the debt they had towards animals supplying their food. Saying prayers to slaughtered animals, expressing their gratitude.
In comparison, Meso- American philosophy revolved around the responsibility of human beings to maintain cosmic order. These groups believed that the well- being of the universe depended on human action and rituals, and most often in the form of human sacrifices.
We talked about the two different perspectives and their influence on their respective societies. Our group came to the conclusion that Indigenous Americans value of life and Meso- Americans fear of suffering(philosophical views) had very important impact on their cultures and societies.
Our discussion question: Which had a bigger impact on society and culture, the value of life or the fear of suffering?
Obviously, whether or not the value of fear of suffering or he value of life varies with different religions...but overall I see a fear of suffering that has more of an impact. Most are concerned with what happens in the afterlife, and not wanting to be blessed after their life on Earth is over.
ReplyDeleteAnd wanting*, take out the 'not'.
ReplyDeleteI think the balance between both the value of life/fear of suffering in societies plays a major role in the success of those societies. We know that the Native Americans of North America lasted much longer as a culture than the tribes of South America. Native Americans valued life much more than they feared any kind of ultimate retribution, and so they respected life and fought to protect it. Native Americans and much of their culture is still a part of our overall American society. The Aztecs and the Incas, however, feared that their Gods were angry with them when things started to go wrong and so sacrificed the lives of some of their best warriors in order to appease the gods. These sacrifices weakened their overall society and made them more vulnerable to Spanish invaders. I think it is important, as a society and even as an individual, to respect and protect life.
ReplyDeleteI feel that most people people live their lives with the fear of suffering and that is a shame. We forget to take everyday as a gift and make the best of it. I think that the Native American tribes that lasted longer did so because they were more in touch with humanity. They knew that everything was a gift and to respect it. They valued life and took it as a sign from God that they were welcomed. As a society this strengthened them because everyone was on the same level. There was no hierarchy. Event the chief would go to the fields. This concept probably also prevented some of the sacrifices.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that the fear of suffering has a greater impact on society. The native tribes of North Americas respect for nature did was important to them but it did not have an affect on their daily lives. However the Meso-Americans routinely sacrificed hundreds and thousands of people. I imagine that the fear of possibly becoming one of the next people to be sacrificed probably had a huge impact on how they functioned in their daily lives. Can you imagine living with the fear day in and day out that you might be in the next batch of people to be sacrificed to appease the gods?
ReplyDeleteThe philosophies of Native American and Meso-American tribes shaped their society. Meso-Americans were a "god fearing" people and this proved to their biggest weakness. Many times their most valuable youths were sacrificed to please the gods. This is no way to run a society and leaves little room for the society to evolve. With this system in place it ultimately led to the demise of many of these Meso-American tribes.
ReplyDeleteOur group concluded that living in fear of suffering (as the Meso-Americans did) greatly impacted the society and lives of indigenous Meso-American tribes.