Kosmos and Ontologies: Introducing Diverse Perspectives on the Natural Environment
The choices that we make and the things that we feel are influences by the ontological world we are born into.
Our kosmos, or ontology (your view of reality( deeply influence how we perceive the natural environment, shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it. Central to this concept are ontologies, the philosophical study of being and existence. These ontological frameworks vary widely among cultures, influencing how people interact with and interpret the natural world.
Ontologies: Exploring Ways of Being
Ontologies refer to the fundamental beliefs and assumptions about reality that underpin a culture's worldview. They shape how individuals perceive the world around them, defining what exists, how entities are interconnected, and the nature of their relationships.
Examples of Different Ontologies:
- Animism: In many indigenous cultures, animism views all beings, including plants, animals, and natural elements, as imbued with the spirit or life force. This belief fosters a deep sense of interconnectedness and respect for nature's inherent value.
- Dualism: In contrast, dualistic ontologies, such as those influenced by Descartes' philosophy, posit a sharp division between mind and matter, humans and nature. This view often leads to perceiving nature as separate, inferior, or exploitable.
- Holism: Holistic ontologies emphasize the interconnectedness of all things, viewing nature as a complex web of relationships. This perspective emphasizes balance, harmony, and the idea that all parts contribute to the whole.
Hidden Assumptions and Unquestioned Beliefs
A crucial aspect of ontologies is that they often include hidden or implicit assumptions that go unquestioned within a culture. These basal assumptions about the world form the foundation of a community's worldview, influencing everything from daily practices to societal norms.
For example, Descartes' dualistic ontology, which emphasized the separation of mind and body, profoundly impacted European thought for centuries. This Cartesian dualism led to a view of nature as mechanistic and inert, paving the way for exploitation and resource extraction.
Embodied Kosmos and Language
The Kosmos of a community, shaped by their ontology, is not just a set of beliefs but an embodied, lived experience of the world. It influences how individuals perceive, interact with, and derive meaning from their surroundings.
Language plays a significant role in shaping ontologies and worldviews. Some languages are verb-based, emphasizing action and process, while others are noun-based, focusing on objects and entities. For example, in verb-based languages like some Indigenous languages, the emphasis on action highlights the dynamic relationship between humans and the world. This linguistic worldview fosters a deep connection and reciprocity with the environment.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse ontologies and worldviews concerning the natural environment is essential for fostering cross-cultural understanding and sustainable practices. By recognizing the influence of hidden assumptions, historical philosophies, and linguistic nuances, we can begin to appreciate the richness of human perspectives on the more-than-human world. In the following article, I will delve deeper into different kinds of ontology before then following up on exploring the embodied elements of Kosmos and how they shape our experiences of the world around us.
