Western Ways Of Knowing

Western Ways of knowing is significantly different than the Indigenous ways of knowing for several reasons. One is that Western ways use linear and step-by-step method. Further, the organization of knowledge depends on the preexisted laws. For example, to distinguish if it is living or nonliving, one would start with a hypothesis and go through the scientific methods and categorize it in such manner. This is an example of reductionism where everything is taken apart in small parts to distinguish certain things. This is different in Indigenous learning where everything is understood as a whole and everything starts within yourself. Rather than knowing from observation, it starts with the raw experience itself.
Another difference is that the
nature is assumed to be capable of manipulation as Western ways of knowing believes that science can overrule and control the nature. One example is genetic manipulation by scientists from plants to animals. For example, cows are mutated so that it is more bulky and muscular. In Indigenous ways of knowing, one believes in monism which is a belief that everything has spirit whereas the western ways of knowing believe in realism where everything is depersonalized. Thus, Aboriginal people believe everything should be respected and valued as everything has connection and relations with another resulting in circle of life. Further, one must live in harmony with another and taking only what is needed in nature. For example, buffalos are only hunted for required amount and utilized so that nothing goes to waste. Thus, overhunting and and manipulating animals are seen as unethical in Indigenous ways of knowing.
Additionally, the key difference is that Indigenous ways of knowing is embedded in experiences and teaching of people. As well as through songs, ceremonies, and symbols one can seek the knowledge. Further, knowledge is shared with all through the relationship with one another. This contrasts to Western ways of knowing as the individual is the owner of knowledge which are gathered from more of the concrete things such as books, online sources, documents etc. Thus, whereas the Indigenous ways of knowledge is mostly oral which is alive and have a sense of connectedness, Western ways of knowledge, although permanent, is felt separate with the written tradition. Also with the written tradition, Western ways of knowledge is seeking of the information is whereas Indigenous ways of knowledge is seeking of the wisdom.