LAUSR

ABSTRACTThere exists a significant incongruity between scientific knowledge and ordinary perceptions concerning the relation between forest and water (e.g. droughts and floods). Traditionally, forest hydrologists interpreted this incongruity using the deficit model, i.e. this incongruity is viewed as one that must be overcome through efforts to disseminate scientific knowledge more widely across society. However, one previous study suggested an alternative interpretation for the incongruity observed in Japan: the incongruity is induced by an enduring conflict between modern science and indigenous culture, one which purportedly promotes an “emotional” outlook to nature. This review attempts to clarify this alternative interpretation by utilizing a diverse range of disciplinary perspectives. We first clarify, using psychology and philosophy, that the “emotional” outlook of Japanese is rooted in a notion of self which is interdependent. Reviewing historical studies, we then find that the interdependent self ...