Questions and Answers
What principal idea does development ethics aim to uphold?
Which philosopher is cited as a forerunner of universal human rights thinking?
What common theme is observed in contemporary development ethics?
What historical context is explicitly connected to contemporary resource-grab situations?
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Which of the following figures were considered Eurocentric in their views on development?
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What response has not typically characterized historical inequalities in power dynamics?
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Which of the following best describes the actions of colonizers towards Native Americans?
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What issue has been central to the discourse of development since the early 19th century?
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What was one of the justifications for colonial expansion during the 16th to 19th centuries?
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Which work details the subjugation of Native Americans?
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Study Notes
Historical Context of Development Ethics
- Productive use of location resources should ideally benefit all parties involved, but often leads to exploitation of existing occupants and workforce.
- Development studies and ethics gained recognition post-1945, yet the concepts of development and underdevelopment date back to at least the early 19th century.
- Major philosophical figures such as Plato, Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and Karl Marx impacted discussions about justice, equality, and the 'good' life.
- Bhikhu Parekh critiques classical thinkers for their Eurocentric views, noting their support for European supremacy despite never experiencing life outside Europe.
- Contemporary development ethics aims for a more inclusive perspective, addressing power dynamics between strong and weak actors.
- Historical responses to power disparities include exploitation and extermination as well as mutual respect, sympathy, and cooperation.
Resource Exploitation and Historical Precedents
- Themes from the fictional narrative of "Avatar" reflect real-world issues of resource exploitation and "resource-grab" scenarios.
- Historical parallels drawn from the European colonization of the Americas (16th to 19th centuries) highlight the subjugation of Native Americans driven by resource desires.
- Colonizers justified their actions by viewing Native Americans as subhuman and promoting narratives that depicted them as savage or evil.
- Bartolomé de las Casas, a 16th-century priest, defended Native Americans' rights, contributing to early thoughts on universal human rights and liberation theology.
- Development ethics continues to explore modern situations of stark inequality where contemporary technologies can benefit only a select few, often at the cost of exclusion for many.
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Description
This quiz explores the evolution of development ethics, highlighting the historical exploitation of resources and the philosophical underpinnings influencing contemporary thought. Examine how major thinkers shaped concepts of justice and equality, and understand current debates about inclusivity in development practices.
