Psychological researchers and practitioners have been and continue to be fascinated by "indigenous" approaches and have integrated ideas and practices from other cultural areas into their own schools. Laypeople interested in psychology also often share an interest in corresponding offerings (e.g., yoga), even if the deeper background often remains largely misunderstood.
In Western science, there is often a low appreciation of "indigenous" approaches, combined with a form of discrimination that considers Western knowledge and associated practices to be superior.
This contribution will explore the question of integration of knowledge and practices embedded in foreign cultures exactly could mean theoretically on the one hand and pragmatically on the other. Theoretically, this raises the fundamental problem of commensurability, which is well described in philosophy of science. On the other hand, "foreign" practices are often only partially compatible with the normal expectations of one's own culture.
Even if the gaps in understanding cannot be completely overcome and closed, mutual learning can take place under certain conditions. These conditions will be further explored.