NATS 1775 Lecture 6: Lecture Six Notes
5 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Lecture six notes: science, technology and justifications for colonization, the civilizing mission justification for european conquest and dominance in 19th century. Based on paternalistic notion that it is the european"s duty to better the situation of the native who was not as. Idea was to bring peace and order to areas where there are wars, constant conflicts. Europeans considered themselves to be best qualified for this mission because they were the most progressive and advanced civilization. Evidence for this: scientific and technological achievements. Example: firearms, machines and vast scientific knowledge are presented as proof of european superiority. Belief that rational thought (i. e. science) would triumph over knowledge of cultures that were superstitious and ignorant. Extremist position condoned the extermination of natives in countries considered backward in scientific and technical know-how. Moral arguments vs issues related to economic self interest and nationalist goals.
