Toward a Convivial Relationship between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge

Abstract

  Today, “indigenous,” “traditional,” and “local” knowledge are gaining increasing attention around the world. It seems to be a reaction to the substitution of human knowledge production by Artificial Intelligence and imposition of ‘universal’ knowledge circulated globally. The purpose of this article is to examine the dynamic relationship between “indigenous” knowledge and modern scientific knowledge. To this end, we will first examine the “happy relationship” between scientific knowledge and indigenous knowledge, so to speak, in which both parties work together to address difficulties. However, a more direct and fundamental examination of the relationship between the two will be required when they are in an “unhappy” relationship, that is, when the content and direction of modern scientific knowledge and indigenous knowledge are at odds with each other. When the “fact” is scientifically verified so that the content of indigenous knowledge is not only scientifically incorrect but also that its use is harmful and worsens the current situation, the question is how we can interpret and judge this situation. This essay aims to explore this from a conviviality-based perspective.