PARADOX AND TRANSFORMATION

Nancy C.  Maryboy; David H.  Begay; Lee  Nichol

Authors

Nancy C. Maryboy University of Washington, School of Environmental and Forestry Sciences Indigenous Education Institute
David H. Begay University of New Mexico, School of Pharmacy Indigenous Education Institute & Faculty, Indigenous Education Institute
Lee Nichol University of New Mexico, School of Pharmacy Indigenous Education Institute & Faculty, Indigenous Education Institute

Keywords:

Paradox, Transformation

Abstract

The English term “paradox” is suggestive of a particular Indigenous value of perceiving and understanding in terms of balancing opposites. Paradox thinking points to a series of concepts central to traditional Navajo epistemology and ontology: complementarity, dynamic movement, cyclical balance, and transformation. This matrix of traditional wisdom is positioned in relation to western empiricism – especially the latter’s expression as problem-solving and critical thinking methodologies. It is suggested that one aspect of transformation involves re-visioning the relationship between these two cognitive styles.