🧐Native American Philosophy

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Key Concepts of Native American Spiritual PracticesSacred Native American SymbolsKey Concepts in Native American CosmologyKey Native American PhilosophersMajor Native American Tribes

Unit 1 – Native American Philosophy: An Introduction

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1.1

Defining Native American Philosophy

2 min read

1.2

Diversity of Indigenous Philosophical Traditions

4 min read

1.3

Historical Context and Cultural Foundations

2 min read

1.4

Key Concepts and Themes in Native American Thought

3 min read

Unit 2 – Indigenous Ways of Knowing

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2.1

Indigenous Knowledge Systems

3 min read

2.2

Experiential and Embodied Knowledge

2 min read

2.3

Dreams, Visions, and Spiritual Insights

2 min read

2.4

Oral Tradition as an Epistemological Source

2 min read

Unit 3 – Relationality in Native American Metaphysics

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3.1

The Concept of Relationality in Native American Worldviews

2 min read

3.2

Interconnectedness of All Beings

2 min read

3.3

Sacred Geography and Place-based Philosophy

3 min read

3.4

Non-linear Conceptions of Time and Space

2 min read

Unit 4 – Native American Ethics: Moral Foundations

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4.1

Communal Ethics and Collective Responsibility

2 min read

4.2

Reciprocity and Balance in Ethical Thought

2 min read

4.3

Environmental Ethics and Stewardship

2 min read

4.4

Moral Teachings in Traditional Stories

2 min read

Unit 5 – Native American Views on Personhood

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5.1

Concepts of Self and Community

2 min read

5.2

Kinship and Relational Identity

2 min read

5.3

Spiritual Dimensions of Personhood

3 min read

5.4

Identity in the Context of Colonialism and Resistance

3 min read

Unit 6 – Oral Tradition in Native Philosophy

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6.1

Structure and Function of Oral Traditions

2 min read

6.2

Storytelling as a Philosophical Method

2 min read

6.3

Interpretation and Adaptation of Oral Teachings

2 min read

6.4

Challenges and Preservation of Oral Philosophical Knowledge

2 min read

Unit 7 – Cyclical Time & Seasonal Indigenous Practices

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7.1

Indigenous Conceptions of Time

2 min read

7.2

Seasonal Cycles and Philosophical Implications

3 min read

7.3

Ceremonial Practices and Time-based Wisdom

3 min read

7.4

Balancing Traditional and Contemporary Time Perspectives

3 min read

Unit 8 – Indigenous Views on Justice & Governance

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8.1

Traditional Governance Structures

2 min read

8.2

Concepts of Justice and Conflict Resolution

2 min read

8.3

Land Rights and Sovereignty in Native American Philosophy

2 min read

8.4

Contemporary Indigenous Governance Challenges

4 min read

Unit 9 – Native American Views on Nature

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9.1

Land as a Living Entity

2 min read

9.2

Sustainable Practices and Traditional Ecological Knowledge

3 min read

9.3

Human-Nature Relationships in Indigenous Thought

3 min read

9.4

Environmental Justice from a Native American Perspective

2 min read

Unit 10 – Colonialism: Native American Responses

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10.1

Impact of Colonialism on Native American Thought

2 min read

10.2

Resistance and Adaptation in Indigenous Philosophy

3 min read

10.3

Decolonization of Knowledge and Philosophy

2 min read

10.4

Reconciliation and Healing in Post-colonial Contexts

3 min read

Unit 11 – Native American Philosophy Today

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11.1

Modern Indigenous Philosophers and Their Contributions

3 min read

11.2

Bridging Traditional and Western Philosophical Approaches

3 min read

11.3

Native American Philosophy in Academia

2 min read

11.4

Current Debates and Emerging Themes

2 min read

Unit 12 – Cultural Preservation in Native Philosophy

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12.1

Strategies for Preserving Indigenous Philosophical Knowledge

2 min read

12.2

Intergenerational Transmission of Wisdom

2 min read

12.3

Adapting Traditional Philosophy to Contemporary Challenges

2 min read

12.4

The Future of Native American Philosophy

2 min read

What do you learn in Native American Philosophy

Native American Philosophy explores traditional Indigenous worldviews, ethics, and ways of knowing. You'll study concepts like interconnectedness, harmony with nature, and circular time. The course covers creation stories, spiritual beliefs, and how these philosophies relate to contemporary issues. You'll also examine Native American approaches to knowledge, reality, and ethics.

Is Native American Philosophy hard?

Native American Philosophy can be challenging because it introduces totally different ways of thinking about the world. The concepts are pretty mind-bending at first if you're used to Western philosophy. But once you get into it, most students find it super interesting. The readings can be dense, but class discussions usually help clarify things.

Tips for taking Native American Philosophy in college

  1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
  2. Start a study group to discuss complex concepts like the Medicine Wheel or Seven Generations philosophy
  3. Keep an open mind and be willing to challenge your own assumptions
  4. Take good notes during guest speaker presentations from Native elders
  5. Watch documentaries like "Doctrine of Discovery" to get more context
  6. Read "Black Elk Speaks" for a deeper dive into Lakota spirituality
  7. Participate actively in class discussions to better understand different perspectives

Common pre-requisites for Native American Philosophy

  1. Introduction to Philosophy: This course covers the basics of Western philosophical thought and prepares you for more specialized philosophy classes. You'll learn about major thinkers and fundamental concepts.

  2. Cultural Anthropology: This class introduces you to diverse cultures and ways of life around the world. It provides a foundation for understanding different worldviews and social structures.

Classes similar to Native American Philosophy

  1. African Philosophy: Explores philosophical traditions from various African cultures. You'll study concepts like Ubuntu and compare African thought to Western philosophy.

  2. Eastern Philosophy: Covers philosophical traditions from India, China, and Japan. You'll learn about Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

  3. Environmental Ethics: Examines moral issues related to the environment. This course often includes Indigenous perspectives on nature and sustainability.

  4. Philosophy of Religion: Analyzes religious beliefs, concepts, and arguments. You'll explore different spiritual traditions and their philosophical foundations.

  1. Philosophy: Focuses on critical thinking, logic, and the exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. Students develop strong analytical and writing skills.

  2. Native American Studies: Examines the history, culture, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples in North America. Students gain a deep understanding of Native American perspectives and experiences.

  3. Anthropology: Studies human cultures, societies, and behaviors across time and space. Students learn about cultural diversity and develop skills in fieldwork and analysis.

  4. Religious Studies: Explores various religious traditions, beliefs, and practices from around the world. Students gain insights into different worldviews and spiritual philosophies.

What can you do with a degree in Native American Philosophy?

  1. Cultural Resource Manager: Works to preserve and protect Native American cultural sites and artifacts. They collaborate with tribes, government agencies, and archaeologists to ensure respectful treatment of Indigenous heritage.

  2. Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: Helps organizations create more inclusive environments and policies. They use their knowledge of different cultural perspectives to promote understanding and equity.

  3. Environmental Policy Advisor: Develops and implements environmental policies, often incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices. They work with government agencies or non-profits to address environmental challenges.

  4. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions and manages collections related to Native American culture and history. They research artifacts, create educational programs, and work to accurately represent Indigenous perspectives.

Native American Philosophy FAQs

  1. How is Native American Philosophy different from Western Philosophy? Native American Philosophy tends to focus more on holistic, interconnected worldviews and the relationship between humans and nature. It often emphasizes oral traditions and experiential knowledge rather than purely abstract reasoning.

  2. Do I need to be Native American to take this course? Not at all! The course is open to students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning about Indigenous philosophical traditions.

  3. Will this course help me understand current Native American issues? Definitely. The philosophical concepts you'll learn provide important context for understanding contemporary Indigenous rights, environmental issues, and cultural preservation efforts.

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About FiveableBlogCareersTestimonialsCode of ConductTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyCCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram ModeAP Score CalculatorsStudy GuidesPractice QuizzesGlossaryCrisis Text LineRequest a Feature
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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