Filipino Psychology and Nature (with Carl Lorenz Cervantes)

Summary

Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes, a registered psychologist, delves into Filipino folk psychology, exploring concepts like 'kinia' and animism. He discusses the cultural value of Kapa, which signifies shared identity and belongingness, and the S Mundo model, emphasizing the interconnectedness of self, community, and world. Cervantes highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge and sustainable living, urging a mindful approach to technology and innovation to ensure the world's longevity.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Carl Lawrence Gaston, Cervantes is a psychologist, researcher, and lecturer focusing on Filipino folk psychology and the intuitive understanding of the collective cultural consciousness.
• 🌏 The concept of 'kina' or lay theories in Filipino culture is explored, which reflects the relationship with cosmic processes, gods, heroes, and animist worldviews.
• 🌲 Animism is a key belief in Filipino culture, suggesting that nature is inhabited by spirits, and this belief persists in urban spaces and influences behaviors like asking permission before entering certain areas.
• 🏡 The importance of rituals and respect for nature, including trees and ancestral spirits, is highlighted, showing the integration of animist beliefs in daily life.
• 🤝 'Kapa' is identified as a core Filipino cultural value representing a sense of shared identity and belongingness, which is fundamental to social interactions.
• 🌐 The S Mundo model is introduced as a way to understand the self as part of a larger collective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals with their community and the world.
• 🌱 The contextual worldview is contrasted with the dominant, Western worldview, advocating for collaboration, harmony, and sustainability over domination and integration.
• 🌱 Animism is also described as recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, where life and essence are present in all elements, promoting mindful consumption of resources.
• 🌌 The term 'Gaba' is mentioned as a local concept reflecting the cosmic process of cause and effect, similar to the idea of karma, which influences behavior towards nature and others.
• 🌱 The importance of indigenous knowledge and cultural wisdom is emphasized for moving forward sustainably, combining traditional values with modern innovations and technology.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes' work?

Carl Lawrence Gaston Cervantes' work focuses on Filipino folk psychology, specifically what Zeus Salazar called 'kinia', which refers to lay theories or common sense psychology, and how these are expressed through language and culture.

What is 'kinia' and how does it relate to Filipino culture?

'Kinia' refers to the lay theories or common sense psychology that is intuitively understood within Filipino culture. It is expressed through the language, folklore, mythology, and collective cultural consciousness, reflecting the understanding of cosmic processes and relationships with gods, heroes, and animist worldviews.

How does animism manifest in modern Filipino culture?

Animism is manifested in modern Filipino culture through practices such as asking for permission before crossing natural spaces believed to be inhabited by spirits, and showing respect for nature by avoiding disturbance of certain areas or objects considered to be the homes of spirits.

What is the significance of the term 'Kapa' in Filipino cultural values?

The term 'Kapa' represents a sense of shared identity and belongingness in Filipino cultural values. It is considered the core concept around which other cultural values and social interactions are shaped, emphasizing the experience of 'Pikam' or 'Pik Isa', which are part of the collective identity.

How does the concept of 'Kapa' translate into English?

In English, 'Kapa' is often translated as 'other people', which implies a sense of separation between 'us' and 'them'. However, the true essence of 'Kapa' is a shared sense of identity and togetherness, which is more nuanced and not easily captured by a single English term.

What is the S Mundo model and how does it relate to the self and the world?

The S Mundo model is a concept where the self (S) is part of 'Kapa' (us), which is part of 'Mundo' (world). It represents an inclusive and contextual approach to understanding the self as part of a larger ecological system, emphasizing harmony and collaboration rather than domination and integration.

Why does Carl use the term 'Mundo' instead of 'Universe' in the S Mundo model?

Carl uses the term 'Mundo' because it is a term commonly used in the local context and has a more personal and poetic connotation, similar to how lovers might refer to each other as 'my world'. It resonates more with the people he is trying to communicate with.

What is the difference between the dominant worldview and the contextual worldview as described by Carl?

The dominant worldview, largely Western and influenced by colonialism, emphasizes domination and integration, simplifying complexities and leading to hoarding and waste. In contrast, the contextual worldview prioritizes collaboration, harmony, and sustainability, recognizing individual parts within a complex system and focusing on balance.

How does the concept of 'Gaba' relate to the idea of cosmic processes?

'Gaba' is a local term that reflects the understanding of natural cosmic processes, implying that actions have consequences and that there is a cause and effect relationship. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of respectful and mindful behavior towards nature and others.

What does Carl mean when he talks about 'recovering intuitive cultural wisdom'?

Carl refers to the process of reconnecting with indigenous knowledge and values that have been overlooked or forgotten in the face of modernization and Western influence. By recovering this wisdom, he suggests that we can find sustainable and harmonious ways to live within the natural world and address contemporary challenges.

How does Carl view the potential for humans to create positive change?

Carl is optimistic about the potential for humans to create positive change. He believes that by combining indigenous knowledge and values with modern technology and innovation, humans can find sustainable solutions and improve the world. He emphasizes the importance of collective effort and mindful participation in the world.