Graduate Colloquium Series: Victoria Green (PHIL) 10/25/22
"Habituating Wild Primates: Ethics of the Researcher-Subject Relationship and its Implications for Field Research Methodology"
We welcome your attendance in GLAS 311 or online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 924 6491 9853
Passcode: Green
“Habituating Wild Primates: Ethics of the Researcher-Subject Relationship and its Implications for Field Research Methodology“
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | 4-5pm
We welcome your attendance in GLAS 311
Or online via Zoom
Zoom Meeting information:
Meeting ID: 924 6491 9853
Password: Green
Victoria Green, PhD Candidate | Department of Philosophy
Abstract:
In this project, Green investigates the human researcher-primate subject relationship in primatological field research. Specifically, she explores the concept of habituation, which is the persistent following of wild animal individuals or groups until they tolerate human presence, at which point behavioral data can be collected. Green argues that habituation generates a relationship with special moral obligations due to the vulnerabilities it produces in habituated individuals. To navigate the habituation process and the ethical dilemmas it generates, she utilizes Beauchamp and Childress’s midlevel principles to construct four midlevel principles that primatologists should adhere to ensure an ethical researcher-subject relationship: flourishing, respect, reciprocity, and non-exploitation. Through balancing these principles, primatologists can make decisions that are ethically sound to their subjects while maintaining conservation interests and obligations.
The Faculty Colloquium offers faculty an opportunity to discuss a work-in-progress with faculty and graduate students from different disciplines. By long-standing practice, colloquium presenters provide a draft of their current research, which is made available to members of the Glasscock Center listserv. Each colloquium begins with the presenter’s short (10-15 minute) exposition of the project, after which the floor is open for comments and queries. The format is by design informal, conversational, and interdisciplinary.
The paper is available to members of the Center’s listserv, or by contacting the Glasscock Center by phone at (979) 845-8328 or by e-mail at glasscock@tamu.edu.
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