iraq and other paradigms,

Zaid Hassan — Wed, 27 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000

The problem is actually deeper. Western science is successful because it is a widely shared paradigm. The West, in general, can be seen as a particular paradigm. The insistutions of this paradigm refuse to accept the legitimacy of other paradigms. So for example an indigenous group that does not believe in modern medicine will be considered backward and in need of 'development'. What we need to do is figure out how our societies can function without an unthinking imposition of our own paradigm on that of others. We need to learn to allow people to live, work and unfold their own paradigms and that means accepting standards of 'fact' that we may not share. Until we understand this the fact of neo-colonialism will continue to dominate our relationships with the rest of the world. The bulk of the Muslim world sees US actions in such a light, that is, as the imposition of the dominant paradigm and hence they have some sympathy for Saddam H.

open Democracy News Analysis - iraq and other paradigms, - Comments

iraq and other paradigms,