Suchergebnisse

The use of genealogy by New Zealand Maori is not confined to human descent lines & relationships. It is also used as an epistemological framework for describing the inherent order in nature. Called "whakapapa," these typically contain information concerning an organism's theorized origin from the gods; descent lines; relationships (spiritual & physical), & uses. At one level, they function as all-inclusive "folk taxonomies." But understanding the nature of the relationships is impossible without knowledge of the accompanying narrative(s). These provide explanatory theories of why things came to be the way they are, as well as ethical guidelines for proper conduct. Renewed interest in the whakapapa of plants & animals results from concerns raised by Maori regarding genetic engineering, particularly the transfer of genes between humans & other species. Central to this interest is the nature of the relationships outlined in the whakapapa & what these might mean in terms of modern scientific concepts of taxonomy based on phylogeny & of the nature of a species. In this paper the whakapapa of an important food plant, the sweet potato or kumara, is described & an attempt made to interpret the multiple functions of this particular whakapapa. 2 Figures, 1 Photograph, 14 References. Adapted from the source document.

The use of genealogy by New Zealand Maori is not confined to human descent lines and relationships. It is also used as an epistemological framework for describing the inherent order in nature. Called 'whakapapa,' these typically contain information concerning an organism's theorized origin from the gods; descent lines; relationships (spiritual and physical), and uses. At one level, they function as all-inclusive 'folk taxonomies.' But understanding the nature of the relationships is impossible without knowledge of the accompanying narrative(s). These provide explanatory theories of why things came to be the way they are, as well as ethical guidelines for proper conduct. Renewed interest in the whakapapa of plants and animals results from concerns raised by Maori regarding genetic engineering, particularly the transfer of genes between humans and other species. Central to this interest is the nature of the relationships outlined in the whakapapa and what these might mean in terms of modern scientific concepts of taxonomy based on phylogeny and of the nature of a species. In this paper the whakapapa of an important food plant, the sweet potato or kumara, is described and an attempt made to interpret the multiple functions of this particular whakapapa. 2 Figures, 1 Photograph, 14 References. (Original abstract - amended)

Discusses the evolution of criticism in recent decades & the reemergence of formerly subjugated forms of knowledge & meaning. The inhibiting effects of totalitarian, universal theories have been recognized, & autonomous, noncentralized, nontraditional criticism & theoretical production have gained increased legitimacy. These processes have coincided with & been facilitated by the resurrection of subjugated knowledges in two arenas: those discourses & meanings historically dismissed & buried by formalized systems, & sets of knowledge previously deemed inadequate or insufficient under the rhetoric of science. The postmodern genealogy of knowledge is characterized by the union of erudite knowledge & local memories in an attempt to elucidate, understood, & overcome historical struggles. This genealogy also represents on effort to utilize historically subjugated forms of meaning & knowledge to fight against the coercion & bias of theoretical, universal, formal, & scientific discourses. T. Sevier

Comments on Michael Shapiro's provocative article 'Politicizing Ulysses: Rationalistic, Critical and Genealogical Commentaries.' Emphasizes the importance of the ethical question for genealogy and argues that the genealogical discourse is capable of developing an ethical stance that could be a profound voice in the contemporary debate (and struggle) over what is politically and socially desirable. (JLN)