SCIENCE AND LOCAL WISDOM
Local wisdom is the knowledge, values, beliefs, and practices that are rooted in a specific culture,
environment, or community. Local wisdom in Indonesian philosophy means the philosophy that
lives in the hearts of the people, the wise way of life and the right way of life expressed through
traditional rituals. It is the product of centuries of spiritual refinement in the relationships between
people of the same culture (Pesurnay, 2018). Local wisdom refers to the knowledge, practices,
and cultural insights developed by communities over generations. It encompasses traditional
beliefs, customs, and sustainable practices specific to a particular region or group. Examples of
local wisdom are, Indigenous healing practices, agricultural techniques, storytelling, proverbs and
rituals.
According to the Science Council, “Science is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the
natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.” Josh Billings
(1818-1885), posits “Science is the literature of truth.” Examples of science include; Physics,
chemistry, biology, and technological advancements.
Science and local wisdom can complement each other and can contribute to the development of
sustainable solutions for global issues. Local wisdom and science represent two distinct yet
interconnected ways of understanding the world. Let’s explore their differences and potential
integration:
Firstly, whereas local wisdom is rooted in a local context where local wisdom emerges from the
unique historical, ecological and social conditions of a community, science is considered universal
where principles apply across cultures and contexts.
Secondly, local wisdom is passed down orally. It often relies on oral traditions, folklore, and stories
from community elders, science is empirical i.e. relies on data, measurements, and reproducible
experimentation documented in written forms such as books, journals,
Thirdly, Local wisdom is holistic and considers the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the
spiritual realm, while science is analytic and focuses on the separation of different domains and
variables.
Lastly, Local wisdom is context-dependent and may vary from place to place, while science is
context-independent and aims to be valid and reliable across different situations and settings
Regardless these differences, integrating local wisdom and science can help learners to appreciate
their own culture, understand the diversity of perspectives, and develop scientific literacy and
skills. Integrating local wisdom and science can help learners to appreciate their own culture,
understand the diversity of perspectives, and develop scientific literacy and skills. Some possible
ways of integration are:
Adaptation model: This model modifies the existing science curriculum to incorporate local
wisdom that is relevant and compatible with the scientific concepts and skills. For example, using
traditional herbal medicines to teach about plant biology and chemistry.
Addition model: This model adds local wisdom as a supplementary or complementary material to
the science curriculum, without changing the existing content or structure. For example,
introducing local legends or myths that explain natural phenomena alongside the scientific
explanations.
Correction model: This model challenges or replaces the existing science curriculum with local
wisdom that is more accurate, appropriate, or beneficial for the learners and their environment. For
example, questioning the validity or appropriateness of certain scientific theories or experiments
that contradict or ignore the local values or beliefs.
In summary, integrating local wisdom in science learning can have many benefits, such as
enhancing the learners’ interest, motivation, and engagement in science; fostering the learners’
respect, appreciation, and preservation of their own and other cultures; developing the learners’
critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills; and contributing to the advancement of
science and society. Their integration can lead to holistic solutions that honor cultural heritage
while addressing global challenges.
References;
AIP Conf. Proc. 2619, 100018 (2023)
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0125371
IJIET (International Journal of Indonesian Education and Teaching) Vol 5, No 1 (2021)
Chiruguru, Suresh Babu. The Essential Skills of 21st Century Classroom (4Cs),
DOI:https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.36190.59201, (2020)
Google Scholar
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International Conference on Education & Educational Psychology 2013 (ICEEPSY 2013) Strategy
challenges the local wisdom applications sustainability in schools Chusorn, Pornpimona Ariratana,
Wallaphab Chusorn, Prayuth