I'm highly interested in Andean civilizations and I'm currently doing research for a paper on the Incan Empire. I've picked up The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie and have only just begun reading that, so forgive me if the information I'm after is contained somewhere therein.
The paper is focused on the philosophy the Inca state governed it's people by at it's height. I'm investigation whether or not it was developed enough (or enough information has survived) for it to be defined as an ideology in the same sense as Liberalism or Socialism.
The definition of ideology I am working with is a conception of human nature that gives a guideline for political action based on that conception. Ideally, it would touch on politics, social organization and economics and be articulated formally in some way. I'm aware the empire had no written language though they did have quipus, which I understand were used for administrative or military bookkeeping. Is it possible an ideology or sort of 'Inca Charter' could have been recorded in these somehow? Any information about it is valuable to me.
I'm also aware of the Chakana and it's supposed significance in the three affirmations, but couldn't find anything solid to that effect.
Hey, so I'm really curious to hear your thoughts on this, and see where it's going - but I also don't want to go writing your paper. Can you elaborate on these ideas a little more? What threads (ha, qhipu pun) have you chased down with regard to these "guidelines for political action", for instance? You're reading MacQuarrie, but have you chased down any other sources?
This is perhaps one of those times when this subreddit is less useful (or properly used) for answering a question, so much as finding a place where a few more nerds in the desired topic may reside for consultation and discussion. Well, you've found one - but I'd rather engage with you about this topic than just spit out an answer.