Misuse in Ethnomathematics Research: A Review of Philosophy of Mathematics and Mathematics Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56874//jmtl.2025.v4.i1/2288/5Keywords:
Misuse, Ethnomathematics, Critique, Mathematics Education PhilosophyAbstract
This research was inspired by a study conducted by Pais (2011), which presents criticisms and contradictions in ethnomathematics. The criticism presented refers to the philosophy of ethnomathematics which is considered contrary to the purpose of ethnomathematics itself. Reflecting on Pais' (2011) study, this research aims to examine forms of misuse in ethnomathematics research. A philosophical approach is used to show that such misuse is often unconscious and has deviated from the original purpose of ethnomathematics. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study type. The literature analyzed came from books, scientific articles, and documents related to ethnomathematics and the philosophy of mathematics education. The results of this study identified two main categories of misuse in ethnomathematics research, namely oversimplifying mathematical content and cultural value distortion in ethnomathematics research. The findings are expected to contribute to redirecting ethnomathematics research in accordance with the philosophical foundations proposed by its originators.
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