Metaphysical Treatment Of The Aztecs

QUES 1: How did the metaphysical views of the Spanish influence their treatment of the Aztecs?
ANS: The metaphysical views of the Spaniards were determined by their Christian beliefs, and hence they were at once amazed and repulsed by what they saw: human sacrifices, rituals involving bloodletting, adoration of pagan gods, cannibalism, sculptures of what they considered monstrous creatures. They came to believe that Aztec culture as a whole was a manifestation of Satan's influence.
QUES 2: What four different kinds of integration characterized Mesoamerican metaphysics?
ANS: Four different kinds of integration characterized Mesoamerican metaphysics: (1) the internal structural interconnection of the different components of the universe, (2) the integration of fundamental dualities that were perceived as complementary instead of oppositional, (3) the holistic integration of astronomical science and religious beliefs, (4) the integration of everyday life with the cycles and rhythms through universe sustaining rituals.
QUES 3: Why according to Valadez, did the conflict between science and religion that characterizes modern western thought not occur among the Mesoamericans?
On the other hand, Astronomy was by far the most fully developed science of the cultures of Mesoamerica. Their astronomical science was also closely interconnected with their religious ideas and beliefs, especially the fundamentally important concept of the renewal of agricultural and human life cycles. They believed that the influences of the supernatural forces and beings that permeated the earth and supported these life cycles could be tracked and predicted by their calendars. In addition, they maintained that through religious rituals could harness and successfully mediate these cosmic