Discussion #1

Please respond to each question with a two paragraph response. Your answer needs to be specific enough to demonstrate familiarity with the posted lecture and assigned readings in order to receive full credit.

1) During the 19th century, Europeans (or in the case of the USA, people of European descent) developed an array of racial pseudo sciences in order to justify their own imperial and/or slave-based societies. What was the relationship between the philosophical tradition of positivism and the development of 19th century racial pseudo science? Put simply, explain how positivist ideas about natural law, observation, and “positive knowledge” served as the foundation for 19th century racial pseudo-science. Make sure to address one of the assigned readings in your response.

2) During the 19th century, Europeans (or in the case of the USA, people of European descent) embraced the so-called “civilizing mission” as a means to justify their own imperial projects. In what ways did the rhetoric of the civilizing mission differ from the realities of European and American imperialism? Put simply, explain the extent to which the 19th century European and American Imperialism achieved and/or failed to uphold the ideals of the civilizing mission. Make sure to address one of the assigned readings in your response.

Google drive link with all required reading and lectures included. Please Only use the lecture and reading .

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BdWcZfH1lpQir3zN4eKqdxywE1DzfbeY?usp=sharing