Tech
Lecture 6: Science, Technology and Imperialism
I. Science, Technology and Justifications for Colonization
A. The “civilizing” mission
justification for European conquest and dominance in 19th century empire-building paternalistic notion that it is the European’s “duty” to better the situation of the native who was not as “civilized” bring peace and order to areas where there are wars, constant conflict
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 colonizers thus used idea of scientific and technological superiority as a) justification to govern colonized peoples and b) as a way to keep colonized people under control of administration idea of bettering condition of humanity is today questioned as cover for exploitation of African and Asian peoples moral arguments versus issues related to economic self interest and nationalist goals example: in order to better their own economic standing, colonizers would provide manufactured goods and machinery to colonized in return for their constant supply of raw materials by doing this, many native industries were destroyed; i.e. Indian shipbuilders, cotton manufacturers
B. Science and the Christian Missionary Movement
missionaries used idea of Western scientific and technological dominance as way to prove to the Non-western peoples that Christianity was superior religion conversion would lead to their salvation idea that Christian civilizations more scientifically and technically
I. Science, Technology and Justifications for Colonization
A. The “civilizing” mission
justification for European conquest and dominance in 19th century empire-building paternalistic notion that it is the European’s “duty” to better the situation of the native who was not as “civilized” bring peace and order to areas where there are wars, constant conflict
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 colonizers thus used idea of scientific and technological superiority as a) justification to govern colonized peoples and b) as a way to keep colonized people under control of administration idea of bettering condition of humanity is today questioned as cover for exploitation of African and Asian peoples moral arguments versus issues related to economic self interest and nationalist goals example: in order to better their own economic standing, colonizers would provide manufactured goods and machinery to colonized in return for their constant supply of raw materials by doing this, many native industries were destroyed; i.e. Indian shipbuilders, cotton manufacturers
B. Science and the Christian Missionary Movement
missionaries used idea of Western scientific and technological dominance as way to prove to the Non-western peoples that Christianity was superior religion conversion would lead to their salvation idea that Christian civilizations more scientifically and technically