im PublikationsserverTitelangaben
Pfaller-Rott, Monika ; Biehl, Larissa Nathalie:
Indigenous Knowledge and Ecological Imperativ : A Guide to a Sustainable Future or Utopia Ideal?
In: Local Wisdom for Global Futures. -
New Delhi, Indien : Authors Press, 2026. - S. 17-37
ISBN 978-93-6095-029-3
Kurzfassung/Abstract
The following article explores the clear potential of valuable Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) to guide humanity towards a sustainable and promising future. Indigenous knowledge not only offers perspectives from the field of moral philosophy but also provides valuable insights for social work practice. The discussion below highlights key concepts such as ‘wethinking’,restorative justice and communal healing, and emphasises their relevance to global challenges. The article respectfully integrates these valuable indigenous perspectives into the context of social work, drawing on the Global Definition of Social Work, which recognises indigenous knowledge as an essential component. Rooted in holistic and integrated worldviews, IKS emphasise this consciousness-raising interconnectedness of all living beings in harmony with nature. The concept of ‘Buen vivir’, originating in Latin America, advocates a balanced and sustainable way of life in which cosmic harmony is prioritised over economic and capitalist growth. Similarly to this view, the African concept of ‘Ubuntu’ also emphasises this holistic significance of relational connectedness and community, defining humanity through mutual support and collective wellbeing. These philosophies stand in sharp contrast to Western approaches to moral philosophy, as the latter regard humans as the sole moral agents and do not attribute any intrinsic value to nature. By broadening the moral perspective to recognise nature as an independent agent and harmoniously incorporating ecological responsibility, Indigenous wisdom offers valuable approaches to holistic and inclusive ethics, as seen in the concept of 'Two-Eyed Seeing,' which encourages viewing the world through both Indigenous and Western perspectives. Similarly, the principle of 'Ahimsa' (अह िंसा: non harming) rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, emphasizes non-violence and non-harming, contributing to a broader understanding of ethical practices. Social work is called upon to broaden its practice and foster a respectful connection between human and ecological needs. This aims to shape a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive society, thereby offering a profound alternative to Western philosophical traditions, which are haracterised by an individualistic and anthropocentric nature. The integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into the global discourse would not only be a practical strategy for sustainability, but also a philosophical imperative, as it calls for a paradigm shift that values relationality and interconnectedness and points the way towards a fairer and more sustainable world. This is intended to bridge the gap between indigenous and Western knowledge systems. This article highlights the urgency of transforming our inner attitude towards our interaction with the environment to address the complexities of our shared future.
Forschungsprojekte
From Local Wisdom to Global Futures: Indigenous Knowledge, Sustainability and Women-Empowerment
Weitere Angaben
| Publikationsform: | Aufsatz in einem Buch |
|---|---|
| Schlagwörter: | Indigenous Knowledge, sustainability, social work, Indigenous
philosophy, holistic worldviews, anthropocentric Western traditions, moral philosophy, Ahimsa (अह िंसा), ecological responsibility, cosmic ethics |
| Themenfelder: | Nachhaltigkeit, Transformation |
| Sprache des Eintrags: | Englisch |
| Institutionen der Universität: | Fakultät für Soziale Arbeit (FH) > Akademische Oberrätin für internationalen und nationalen Theorie-Praxis-Transfer |
| Titel an der KU entstanden: | Ja |
| KU.edoc-ID: | 35612 |
Letzte Änderung: 07. Sep 2026 12:51
URL zu dieser Anzeige: https://edoc.ku.de/id/eprint/35612/
