How it is: The Native American Philosophy of V. F. Cordova

How it is: The Native American Philosophy of V. F. Cordova

by KathleenDeanMoore (Author), V.F.Cordova (Author), KurtPeters (Author), TedrJojola (Author), Ambe Lacy (Author)

Synopsis

Viola Cordova was the first Native American woman to receive a PhD in philosophy. Even as she became an expert on canonical works of traditional Western philosophy, she devoted herself to defining a Native American philosophy. Although she passed away before she could complete her life's work, some of her colleagues have organized her pioneering contributions into this provocative book.In three parts, Cordova sets out a complete Native American philosophy. First she explains her own understanding of the nature of reality itself the origins of the world, the relation of matter and spirit, the nature of time, and the roles of culture and language in understanding all of these. She then turns to our role as residents of the Earth, arguing that we become human as we deepen our relation to our people and to our places, and as we understand the responsibilities that grow from those relationships. In the final section, she calls for a new reverence in a world where there is no distinction between the sacred and the mundane.Cordova clearly contrasts Native American beliefs with the traditions of the Enlightenment and Christianized Europeans (what she calls Euroman? philosophy). By doing so, she leads her readers into a deeper understanding of both traditions and encourages us to question any view that claims a singular truth. From these essays?which are lucid, insightful, frequently funny, and occasionally angry?we receive a powerful new vision of how we can live with respect, reciprocity, and joy.

$30.98

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 208
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Published: 15 Dec 2007

ISBN 10: 0816526494
ISBN 13: 9780816526499

Media Reviews
These thoughtful essays are accessible and topical in light of growing awareness of human-generated threats to the biosphere. --Booklist
Author Bio
Kurt Peters is Director of the Native American Collaborative Institute and Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at Oregon State University. Ted Jojola is Regents Professor at the University of New Mexico in the Community and Regional Planning Amber Lacy is a graduate student at Oregon State University.