Written Activity #2 : When Anthropologists Go “Public

This assignment is next in a series of activities called “Public Anthropology” that we will do this semester.  It is inspired by Margaret Mead’s engagement with wider publics – not just other anthropologists.  The world, it seems, could benefit from a more anthropological perspective.  What is anthropology, what kinds of questions or issues does it raise for you, and how are the skills applicable?  What is the “Big Question” that interests you?  This is what we are ultimately getting to.

Objective: To think about and synthesize your anthropological learning these past years, and to articulate to nonspecialist audiences the complexities of bringing an anthropological approach to a human problem.
Outcome: Analze the ethics, benefits, and pitfalls of bringing anthropological approaches to wider publics.

First, read the following articles.  As usual, some of these are quite short.  Your basis for understanding the readings should be the works and discussion from Week 1.
1. Liebow (2018) Actions No More Passive Bystanders, Please
2. Dresser (2020)  (Links to an external site.)The Meaning of Margaret Mead (external link); https://aeon.co/essays/how-margaret-mead-became-a-hate-figure-for-conservatives
3. Scheper-Hughes (2009) Actions  Making Anthropology Public;
Starn, Orin (1986) Actions  Engineering Internment
4. Price (2000) Actions Anthropologists as Spies

In one post of appx. 750 words (yes, you may have more), answer the following questions:
1, What are the ethical concerns of bringing anthropology to the wider public?  Briefly discuss three points.
2. What are the ethical concerns of NOT bringing anthropology to the wider public?
3. What are the benefits of bringing anthropological perspectives and methods outside of the academy?  Discuss three specific points.
4. What are the dangers of bringing anthropological perspectives and methods outside the academy?

The standard Activities Rubric will be used to grade this exercise.
1. Anthropological Perspectives (4) Exhibits awareness and understanding of ethnocentrism, cultural relativity, contexts, and power in all activities;
2. Course Concepts (4) Directly and appropriately utilizes course terminology in all writing and activities;
3. Examples (4) Describes and utilizes appropriate examples from course materials (readings, films, individual fieldwork, media sources);
4. Follows Instructions (4)  Is this a compare/contrast discussion?  Did you find outside sources if required?  Were you supposed to upload an image?  Follow the directions!!  And put in some effort;
5. Writing, Style, Organization (4)  Writing is always important.  The writing can be indicative of your effort (see #4 above).

Sample Replies to a Classmate’s Discussion Post

(1) Excellent post, Jordan! I also agree with Dr. Saxe’s moral arguments, as it seems strange and paternalistic that the State can determine what people can and cannot do with their own bodies, especially regarding something as intimate and important as one’s death. I think that as long as there are robust informed consent processes prior to undergoing physician-assisted suicide, this is an ethically justifiable practice that should be legalized. Do you think that all U.S. states will eventually legally allow physician-assisted suicide?

(2) Respectfully, Jordan, I must disagree with your post. While perhaps physician-assisted suicide itself is not bad, I believe that there are serious concerns regarding physician-assisted suicide potentially being a “slippery slope” into more nefarious and immoral practices, such as active euthanasia and/or involuntary active euthanasia of the mentally ill. Are you not concerned that legalization of physician-assisted suicide could lead into more problematic practices later on?

Please make 2 very good responses to these 2 classmates

Response 2) Hello everyone,

This week, I viewed the Ted Talk video The Hidden Reason for Poverty the World Needs to Address Now. Gary Haugen discusses how a huge reason behind the large amount of poverty in this world is because people are trapped in systems of violence in their own country. He also blames it on lack of law enforcement, stating that there are laws to protect all people, including people who are impoverished, from violence however there is not a concentration on making a less corrupt law enforcement program. Because of this, people continue to be impoverished because they are constantly included in violence that sets them back and their government does nothing about it because they invest in private security instead of public security (Ted Talk, 2015). Because he is talking about what he has witnessed through his experiences of travelling around as a civil rights lawyer, I would say he is biased but his information is good to know.

While I do agree that the lack of uncorrupt law enforcement in developing countries is an issue, I think there are many other broken systems in developing countries that contribute to their poverty level. Some argue that global poverty is just not our fault and feeling guilty about it is only appropriate if you have done something wrong. Some people think that their consumer choices do not affect the poor. But what if you buy a pair of shoes that is being made in a sweatshop? If everyone stopped buying those shoes, would those people even have a job, which would create more poverty? Philosopher Thomas Pogge states that its the systems in the world that are rigged against the poor and large corporations and conditions that were created by historical injustices continue to contribute to poverty (Mackinnon and Fiala 2018, 563).

Most western governments agree that everyone should have basic human rights and that having these rights is central to creating a strong economy, which I agree with. But there are two schools of thought: the idea of global justice, where justice for people is universal and primary and then self-interest, where people think that national interests are primary (Mackinnon and Fiala 2018, 567). I think one of the biggest issues in poverty worldwide is being too focused on our own interests. Corporations from rich nations tend to disadvantage those in developing nations by promoting sweat shops and low wages when they turn around and sell their products for hundreds of percent more than what it cost to make the product. I think, overall, there needs to be a bigger focus on the broken systems in developing countries to help lower poverty and bigger corporations need to be a part of that because they have financial power.

Response1) What is the speaker’s point of view about the topic? Is the speaker biased?

Humanitarian Roy Beck in his talk Immigration, World Poverty, and Gumballs demonstrates how immigration could never be an effective way to end poverty and world suffering. Immigration simply cannot accommodate all of those in need, not even close. We need to help them where they are.

What ethical issues and ethical reasoning are argued?

Roy demonstrates an overall utilitarian and global justice view on world poverty. Global justice demonstrates that “global poor require reparation and compensation; positive right to subsistence” (Mackinnon and Fiala 2018, 567).

Do you think that world poverty issues have moral and ethical implications? Why or why not?

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank, argues that it is a moral duty to help the poor, and so it would be immoral not to help them (Mackinnon and Fiala 2018, 563).

If we are to focus on a global economy and global justice system for overall happiness, then yes there is a moral implication. Those focused on self-interest must see the benefit and enrichened economy from these newly educated and wealthy people, they would be buying into our goods and further strengthening international trade and resources.

Do you agree with the speaker’s point of view?

Yes, rather than adding more immigration which could never fix the problem of global poverty, we need to help these human beings thrive and prosper so they can become self-reliant. Once we establish their infrastructure we will see the returns in the form of global trade and global happiness. 

from the class: Sample Replies to a Classmate’s Discussion Post

(1) Excellent post, Jordan! I also agree with Dr. Saxe’s moral arguments, as it seems strange and paternalistic that the State can determine what people can and cannot do with their own bodies, especially regarding something as intimate and important as one’s death. I think that as long as there are robust informed consent processes prior to undergoing physician-assisted suicide, this is an ethically justifiable practice that should be legalized. Do you think that all U.S. states will eventually legally allow physician-assisted suicide?

(2) Respectfully, Jordan, I must disagree with your post. While perhaps physician-assisted suicide itself is not bad, I believe that there are serious concerns regarding physician-assisted suicide potentially being a “slippery slope” into more nefarious and immoral practices, such as active euthanasia and/or involuntary active euthanasia of the mentally ill. Are you not concerned that legalization of physician-assisted suicide could lead into more problematic practices later on?

I just need 2 different response to these 2 different classmates 

response 2) Module 9 Discussion Post 2: Micro Drones Killer Arms Robots – Autonomous Artificial Intelligence – Warning !!

What is the speaker’s point of view about the topic? Is the speaker biased?

Stuart Russell, professor of computer science/AI shows a sobering video meant to strike fear into those who would support computers/ai making decisions on killing humans. The speaker’s viewpoint is biased because his company supports arguments against AI/data driven killing.

What ethical issues and ethical reasoning are argued?

The ethical issues argued in this video are targeted killing and drones. Proponents of targeted killing would stem from a realist or even a just war theory view. These killings are justified when it is in defense or defense of others (Mackinnon and Fiala 2018, 541). Those in agreement would also support the use of drones and the increased accuracy they provide in discriminating these targets to prevent civilians from being injured. However, civilian non-combatants have been frequently killed by these drones. We also get into a sticky situation with preventative targeting of those likely to commit terrorism who have not yet committed a crime, and what constitutes a battlefield and a combatant.

Do you think that the use of drone technology has moral and ethical implications? Why or why not?

Yes. Rights of privacy and freedom are at threat here. I understand the argument that computers/ai make fewer mistakes because human emotion is not involved, however, they also dont have empathy. If drones are used as demonstrated in the video then they would be categorized as a weapon of mass destruction and would fall under such regulations.

Do you agree with the speaker’s point of view? 

I take a moderate just war stance to the speakers viewpoint. When drones are used for self-defense/defense of others then it is okay (Mackinnon and Fiala 2018, 531).  I agree with the data on the improved accuracy and reduction of civilian losses involved when drones are used. But when drones are used as such in the video where they invade human rights and freedom of speech causing mass loss of life then it is unacceptable. There are too many morals/ethics involved to allow a computer/ai the decision to take life.

response 1) I watched The Edge of Drone Warfare by James Rogers.

What is the speaker’s point of view about the topic? Is the speaker biased?

Mr. Rogers argues that the widespread availability of precisely controlled, long-range, consumer drone systems presents significant threats to public safety and national security. He is a defense strategy consultant and, among other things, advises the UK government on drone policy. Because he acts in a professional capacity to consult with governments and other organizations on the threat drones pose, he is interested in persuading people that drones are a threat to justify his consultancy. That said, the cases he discusses are well known, and his perspective on them seems to be balanced.

What ethical issues and ethical reasoning are argued?

He argues that we ought to be cautious in embracing this new technology and invest in methods to mitigate its risk. It seems to be a wholly utilitarian/consequentialist argument. Based on the clear evidence that these devices can be used to disrupt government and kill innocents, such disruption and killing are bad, so we ought to control it.

Do you think that the use of drone technology has moral and ethical implications? Why or why not?

Certainly, there are three domains of drone use that have distinct ethical concerns. Consumer drone use and the potential for unlawful/terroristic uses of that technology, law enforcement and the ethical concerns around surveillance and a changed risk evaluation that might result in excessive use of force by police, and the use of drones in warfare. The police use of drones ought to be heavily restricted, based on the history of police abuse of force, especially against minority communities. Giving them the power to spy on and kill their fellow citizens without putting officers at risk in a society where they already kill and steal without consequence presents an unacceptable risk for no benefit. The use of drones in warfare is not without problems, but where the benefit to soldiers’ safety and the precision it offers compared to traditional airstrikes far outweighs the cost of the relatively small amount of collateral damage that is demonstrated.

Do you agree with the speaker’s point of view? Be specific and thorough. Express how and why you agree or disagree and discuss how ethics and values contribute to your opinion. Consider the theoretical concepts discussed in the course. Do not state your viewpoint; rather, provide relevant details to support your findings and/or position.

I agree with what Mr. Rogers says, although I feel his position is underdeveloped. He doesnt appear to address the potential benefits of drones for business and hobby use and consider the degree to which the burden of controlling illegitimate use should fall on the users through remote ID systems (FAA, 2020) vs. the kinds of defensive technologies he describes in his talk. The threat he describes is real. The kinds of consequences that can come from weaponized drones being used unlawfully is something that we have a duty to protect against based on the idea that killing and breaking the law is wrong and that this technology empowers such things when abused.