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Animism and science in European perspective.

¹Zukunftskolleg, University of Konstanz, Box 216, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science

|December 5, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study challenges the sharp European distinction between animism and science. It reveals a tradition of Aristotelian animism within European science that resonates with Indigenous perspectives, fostering cooperation.

Keywords:

Aristotelian animism Cross-cultural collaboration Epistemic neighbourliness European science History of european science Indigenous knowledge

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Area of Science:

History and Philosophy of Science
Sociology of Scientific Knowledge
Indigenous Studies

Background:

The European tradition sharply distinguishes between animism and science.
This distinction often leads to criticism of either animism for lacking scientific rigor or science for lacking animistic depth.
Indigenous perspectives are often excluded from mainstream scientific discourse.

Purpose of the Study:

To question the sharpness of the distinction between animism and science.
To explore the overlooked tradition of Aristotelian animism in European science.
To reconcile tensions between Indigenous and European scientific groups.

Main Methods:

Drawing on history and philosophy of science.
Employing methods from the sociology of scientific knowledge.
Incorporating research from North American Indigenous scholars.

Main Results:

A rich, overlooked tradition of Aristotelian animism exists within modern European science.
This tradition shows resonance with Indigenous perspectives.
The distinction between animism and science is not as sharp as commonly perceived.

Conclusions:

Challenging the animism-science dichotomy can bridge divides between European and Indigenous scientific communities.
Reconciling these perspectives can strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.
Recognizing shared historical and philosophical underpinnings can foster inclusivity in science.