Is it ethical for anthropologists to work for the military? Why or why not?

Question

This issue has recently become big news, mostly stemming from a big New York Times story published last week, but covered by public radio and some television media as well.

What is your opinion? What is the role of the professional anthropologist? Are there ethical issues when one works for the military, especially in war time? A central tenet to the AAA code of ethics is "do no harm". Are anthropologists working for the military harming or helping the situation? Are they doing neither? What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

The question makes no sense. Why would it be unethical for them to work for the military? And yes, given the tenet first do no harm, should certainly satisfy any who would possibly be against it.

Answer 2

Although I think Random has some good points, I certainly wouldn't do it.  It reminds me of the British colonialists, who used anthropologists to learn how to subjugate the indigenous people.  No thanks.

Answer 3

They'd be able to do plenty of good.  For instance, they can teach others to respect the culture they're in, helping to prevent problems before they occur.  A soldier may not know anything about Iraq before they're shipped there, but an anthropologist who specializes in Iraqi culture can make sure they can navigate it fairly successfully.  Also, anthropologists can help make sure, in times of warfare and occupation, that the country's cultural history isn't destroyed.  Iraq's museum may not have ever been looted if there were more anthropologists in the army insisting that such places be protected.

Answer 4

I don't see a problem with working with the military to maybe study them as a sub-culture.  An anthropolgist is supposed to observe, record and stay out of the way.  Maybe we could learn something about soliders if anthropologist were allowed to assess behaviors and problems seen in the military.  On the other hand, if Anthropologists were giving information out on other cultures that could lead them to lose the war, then harm could be done to the opposing team