Animism and science in European perspective

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.