PARADOX AND TRANSFORMATION

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.

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Published

2020-03-04