I am not sure what we mean by Western and non-Western. The discussion so far seems to suggest that the we can divide ourselves into the West, and the Other world. If that is so, what criteria shall we use? Do we use national boundaries? And if so, which countries are included and why? During the Cold War there was the West and the East separated by the Iron curtain. At that time the West referred to countries that were capitalist in their mode of production, politically free and with democratic institutions etc. That categorization adds another layer of meaning. But is Japan part of the West? Opinions vary. Australia is part of the West despite its Eastern geographical location. Is it a racial distinction, and if so, does this make sense when at this point in history the diversity of national populations is increasing rapidly? Is the distinction between Japan and Australia historical, and if so history within what time frame and what assumptions?
I have not yet decided whether the western/non-western science distinction is useful or illuminating. My problem is that I am not always sure how others are using the terms.
Kedmon Hungwe
Centre for Educational Technology
University of Zimbabwe
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