Comparing Aztec Moral Philosophy with Ancient Greek Tradition

Tracing the profound and enduring influence of Aztec thought, particularly the records left by Catholic clergymen, we encounter a rich and detailed view of the philosophical pursuits of the Nahuatl-speaking Nahuas, known as Aztecs. Their philosophers, the tlamatlitzin, or "knowers of things," played a significant role in the intellectual and moral leadership of their society. This article explores the considerable insights into the Aztec moral philosophy and compares it with the philosophical traditions of ancient Greece.

Philosophical Institutions and Practices

Even in the 1530s, the friar Bernardino de Sahagún noted that the societies of the Nahuas had their own dedicated philosophers, the tlamatlitzin, who committed to writing, preserving classics, and teaching both boys and girls about existential questions from age eight. This was a unique approach in that it included women in the process of higher learning, often through the calmecac institutions designed for such purposes. The tlamatlitzin served as the memory banks of their society, often embodying the roles of poets and historians and providing intellectual and moral guidance.

Comparisons to Greek Philosophy

Dr. León Portilla’s seminal work, "La filosofía náhuatl estudiada en sus fuentes," highlighted the depth of Aztec philosophical thought and its parallels with ancient Greek philosophy. The term "philosophia" itself was controversial in the context of indigenous American thought, but Portilla’s study demonstrated that the Nahua philosophers engaged in rational self-questioning, much like the Greeks. This resonated particularly with the works of Socrates and the Sophists, echoing Sahagún’s comparison over four centuries earlier.

Central Themes and Philosophical Inquiry

Like the Greeks, the Aztecs were concerned with the nature of a good life. However, their focus was on the external conditions of life rather than inherent human reason. The Aztecs embodied this worldview through their saying, “The earth is slippery slick,” which reflects their belief that Earth is a place of imperfection where one often faces disappointment and betrayal. Despite the challenges, they believed that meaningful actions could lead to a rooted or worthwhile life, a concept represented by neltlihtli, meaning 'rootedness.'

However, the Aztec understanding diverges from the Greek tradition in two key aspects. Firstly, they believed that achieving a rooted life would not necessarily lead to happiness, except by chance. Secondly, the concept of rootedness was pursued at four distinct levels, a more comprehensive approach than the Greek methods. This hierarchical structure indicates a nuanced and detailed framework for moral and ethical living, reflecting a rich philosophical tradition deeply rooted in the Nahuas' cultural context.

Conclusion

In comparing the Aztec and Greek philosophical traditions, we find a complex tapestry of moral and existential inquiry. Both civilizations grappled with the fundamental questions of human existence, albeit from different cultural and spatial perspectives. The Aztec moral philosophy, through its emphasis on rootedness and a nuanced understanding of human imperfection, offers a unique perspective on how one should live in a transient world.