Hermitix Aztec Philosophy with James Maffie
7 snips
Jan 10, 2024 
Guest James Maffie discusses Aztec philosophy, including topics such as Aztec metaphysics, the purpose of existence and reciprocity, animism, respecting inanimate objects, and the fragile balance in Aztec philosophy.
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Aztec Thought Is Metaphysics First
- The book focuses on Aztec metaphysics rather than Western-style ethics or epistemology.
- Maffie frames the project as explaining a theory of reality: a world in motion.
No Cosmic Telos, Only Cycles
- Teotl has no telos or agenda; the cosmos endlessly cycles and transforms without a first cause goal.
- Creation and destruction are continuous processes, not goal-directed events.
Ethics Rooted In Reciprocal Obligation
- Humans were engendered by powerful non-humans and enter life with an original obligation to reciprocate.
- Reciprocity (masahua) structures ethics: we nourish gods with gifts and they nourish us in turn.