Last week, we asked our NewsFlash subscribers this:

"Many suggest that the way we think of 'local knowledge'/ 'traditional technology' puts unwarranted emphasis on the fact that they are ‘local’ or ‘traditional.’ The very use of such words creates the impression that they are opposed to scientific rationality and less universal. Therefore, we often act as benevolent modernists trying to rescue ancient artefacts from extinction. Does this attitude prevent a real, meaningful synthesis of Science with other knowledge systems?"

Following are some responses that we received. We invite all of you to take the conversation forward on this page.