Our topic was indigenous American philosophy. Our focus was primarily on the Religion and mindset of Native American tribes such as the Aztecs. We contrasted the Native American religious focus on the importance of the individual with the native African religious focus on the community or tribalhood. We talked about the lack of historical record for Native American philosophy and religion because of the destruction of these means through European Imperialism. A general belief in the validity, not necessarily the truth, of such philosophical mindsets was established. We proposed the factual question: "Why is there a lack of empirical historical evidence with regards to documentation of religion in the Native American culture?"
We also discussed the question: "The Native American belief that we as people are a part of nature and equal to all the worlds inhabitants seems to contradict with the Biblical proclamation that people were given explicit dominion over the Earth. Does the Christian ideology or the Native American approach seem more equalizing for humanity?"
I find it very interesting that the Native Americans put a strong emphasis on nature in their beliefs and religion. However, if nature was such an influential part of our lives, as it was backs then, I wonder if we too would hold nature more sacred.
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed discussion on this topic the other day. I had always wondered on why we don't know too much about very early history of America and its philosophy.
ReplyDeleteWhat really grabbed my attention in our discussion was the contrast between the Christian view and the Native American view on nature. The idea of having "domain" over the world and its inhabitants seems to put humans on a pedestal over everything else. The Native Americans felt equal with nature, and history shows that they treated it that way. On the other hand, those who feel that they are above nature are the ones who are strip mining and causing oil spills.
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