Tuesday, March 8, 2011

“Perry: Schweitzer: A Concerned Doctor in Tropical Africa”

Thesis: Schweitzer, a mission doctor in Africa believes that white Europeans should aid the Africans in adjusting to the now global market while giving them more credit for their thoughts and personalities.


How should the relationship between whites and blacks be characterized?

  • White man must show respect for the human personality in all
  • A sort of elder brother relationship to the black man


European Authority

  • Only way to maintain respect from blacks is to have them respect the white man
  • Imposition of arbitrary authority will not engender respect


Negro Character

  • Gives them credit for their being more good natured than the white men


Feels that Europeans owe the Africans

  • In debt because of slave trade
  • What is given to them is not benevolence but atonement


Do Europeans have a right to impose their authority over Africans?

  • Not if europeans are merely taking advantage of their resources
  • Yes, if europeans seriously desire to educat them and immprove their well-being
  • Responsibility help them keep pace with the world trad that has already reached them


Imperialism has ethical value

  • Put an end to slave trade
  • Stopped the perpetual wars of the primitive peoples
  • Brought them lasting peace

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