This particular book is seen as a bold step towards discovering science and its related issues from the point of view of the indigenous American and other native people from the various walks of life in the this northern Hemisphere(Cajete 14)
. Native science traces its origin from well established and deep philosophical views. This particular philosophy usually touches on the correct relationship with the natural setup of the world which is usually passed through unswerving and direct contact with the landscape and also by way of social and ritual situations that enable members of a society to learn vital relationships by participation. The nature of the world is that its in a constant and steady fluctuation and thus native science does not seek to categorize rigidly in the theories of ideas, concept of thongs or laws.The scientists from the West have acted in total disregard of the fact that the issues faced by the people of the earth in sectors like the pharmaceutical industry who have continued to exploit the available remedies as regards to the medicinal welfare of the local people. But since the Red Movement came into existence that is in around the late 60s, the indigenous Americans have began in earnest the process and rediscovering the eroded languages, cultural practices and traditions and also doing their chores while keeping in mind the eyes of the ancestors are looking down upon them(Cajete 27)
. This particular book seeks to illustrate an ancient point of view as regards to the world’s nature and its components. It seeks to explain the correlation between the humans and other living things. The author of this book depicts science as a philosophy and ideology that is still alive and this is not limited to the mathematical search of finding the truth and the correct position. He states that the concept of ecology is anchored upon a viable relationship and is not limited to the experimental formulas or solutions (Cajete 35)
. Respect and taking of responsibility is the basis upon which the concept and ideology of conservation is based and not limited to resource centered economics.Analysis of risk is not what defines sustainability but is based on reciprocity. Looking at the various common practices of the people such as the theories around the seasons of planting, health and nutrition related issues and also the making of narratives to a sense of place, the multifarious issues about the native knowledge and practices are covered holistically by native science. (Cajete 132)
The world is currently facing many challenges, such deforestation, and issues of overpopulation, extreme and expensive human consumption among other issues. It is therefore a time like this that we need a complete overhaul and review of the environmental philosophy and the ethics surrounding it. These problems could be answered by the native knowledge and cultural system of the indigenous Americans.
In the book there are various topics and issues’ that prop up. One of them is on the issue of models. He depicts that the native science also contains models (Cajete 134)
. Teaching is usually anchored around the issue of models where information is usually passed at various levels which in turn show higher levels of thinking and also understanding of things. Ritual practices such as plains sun dance that carries with it songs and proverbs all tend to combine energies with the power of nature as regards to animation.
Causality is another theme that comes out. Native science usually looks at the causes that are beyond the ideologies like synchronicity and also natural energy related actions. Native philosophy is a wide concept which is not based on rational thinking on its own but also adopts the interaction aspects of human and nature. These include truth and intellects, body and soul interactions and also the spirit with natural related aspects.
Natural science adopts the indigenous system characteristics that include diverse orientations, cooperation, and change among other issues. Natural science puts together the spiritual connotations, the various magnitudes of harmony and cooperation. The human knowledge and intellects are usually geared towards the making of the world and also the coming out of humans. In this book there is also the issue of objectivity (Cajete 74)
. Native science revolves around the idea of understanding that approaching issues in an objective manner is based on subjectivity. On the issue of unity, native science lays emphasizes on order and harmony but also recognizes the fact that diversity and violence is what brings that true and real perceptive of approaching issues that come along.
On the issue of spirit, native science usually brings on board the issue of spiritual process. It states that no separation or division exists on issues of science and spirituality. All actions, plants, animals and the natural way of doings things are all presumed to have spirits with them and are on regular communication with humans. There is also the issue of authority. Native science derives its authority and mandate from the society’s system, the elders of that particular society, dreams and aspirations and also the leadership that is founded over a long period of time with particular environments and surroundings. (Cajete 172)
The capacity to make a transformation, thinking and reasoning metaphorically is brought about by the constant practice and also the development and growth of meaning and close understanding is usually as a result increase in knowledge and also intellectual power of an individual.
.
Language is not just a code but also a means of engaging and interacting with each other and with the natural world. Level language turns out to be a sign and way of representing the world that we tend to recognize with our own senses. At a psychological level language is characterized by emotion, feelings, significance and also spirits (Cajete 145)
. The aim and objective of native science is not to associate itself with ideologies and the law but its aim is to having a clear understanding of the character and significance of things
In Native Science knowledge and intellects in the required manner of performing rituals is very vital. This is because the knowledge associated with the natural world and how best to connect with it isn’t just a matter of personal understanding but is usually acquired and shared for purposes benefiting the growth of a society.
"We all use the metaphoric mind to describe, imagine, and create from the animate world with which we constantly participate. Just as the focus on participation in Native science brings forth creative communion with the world through our senses, so too does the application of the metaphoric mind bring forth the description and creative 'storying' of the world by humans. Science in every form, then, is a story of the world." (Cajete27). The aforementioned statement seeks to explain how our minds help us to deal with issues that constantly face us in our daily endeavors and duties.
“Native people expressed a relationship to the natural world that could only be described as 'ensoulment.' The ensoulment of nature is one of the most ancient foundations of human psychology. This projection of the human sense of the soul with its archetypes has been called the 'participation mystique,' which for Native people represented the deepest level of psychological involvement with their land and which provided a kind of map of the soul. The psychology and spiritual qualities of Indigenous people's behavior reflected in symbolism were thoroughly 'in-formed' by the depth and power of their participation mystique with the Earth as a living soul.”(Cajete 186)
There is also another interesting theme touching on initiation. The authors depicts that there are formal and informal lanes leading to certain degrees of native science , There are four levels of initiation involved and they all require immense practice.
There is also the element of cosmology. Under this particular theme the authors explains the all philosophical ideas are established in form of elemental scheme and thought of how the world came into existence and also the emergence of the human race. He further states that native science is interlinked with the origins and also the migration of people especially in America. It is also linked with various notions such as the time space, ritual practices such as dances; it is also involved with art and myth. Cosmology is usually brought out in a community’s celebrations, ritual passages and also other stories. (Cajete 174)
On the issue of Humans, the author also states that people have a crucial role to play as far as facilitating knowledge and expertise of the natural world in thinking consciously and making of tools is concerned. In reference to this particular role, human beings have a unique role to the natural world and also to other things that surround them (Cajete 174)
. Native science involves become skilled at and also finding ways of effectively carrying out the aforementioned duties and responsibilities.
On theme the of ceremony, the author states that a ceremony can serve two purposes i.e. passing knowledge and also helping us come up with a way of recalling the responsibility we have as regards to relationships with life. The indigenous ceremonies and celebrations are connected with the maintenance also the restoration of equilibrium, enhancing and promoting relationships amongst the people and also creative and imaginative interaction with nature. (Cajete 134)
Work cited
Cajete, Gregory. Native Science: Natural Laws of Interdependence. Santa Fe, NM: Clear Light Publishers, 1999. Print.
