Reflection Assignment (respond to all questions/prompts)

What was the ethical issue you wrote about for your signature assignment? Why did you choose
this ethical issue? What did you know about the issue before doing any research? How did your
research (including the evaluation of the viewpoints, evidence, and logical fallacies) impact your
thinking?
The ethical issue I chose for my signature assignment was the Habituation of
Primates. I chose this topic because of my experience and passion for moral
philosophy and ethics as well as my knowledge, although limited, of primate
intelligence and emotional consciousness. Considering the scientific (including the
field of anthropology) research that reveals how closely related primates are to
humans and the evidence of their sense of self, I find it incredibly concerning to
abuse them mentally or emotionally in ways we would not allow if they were human.
Prior to my research about habituation I hardly knew anything about it except that
I had seen footage of primates seemingly in the wild. The research impacted my
thinking in ways I somewhat expected, though hoped would not be true. I expected
something in this practice to ring an alarm with me ethically but I was hopeful that
there would not be any noticeable negative effects since the field of anthropology
seems to place so much inherent value on the subjects of study. Unfortunately the
practice still does what would be expected- threatens the stability and very
existence of great apes.

How might you apply the critical thinking and communicating about ethical issues skills in other
learning contexts (e.g. other courses, home, work, elections, Thanksgiving dinner, etc.)? Offer
and explain at least three specific examples of where and how you used or might use the critical
thinking and communicating skills (one example should be from this course).
Concerning critical thinking when it comes to such weight bearing issues and
opposing viewpoints on what action should be taken, I have become better at
investigating claims made by parties with an agenda. While it is always easy for a
party to say what we want to hear and assert that their project will accomplish the
desired outcome, there is no reasoning in accepting these claims at face value.
Without the evidence I might as well have never heard the statement. While
talking about issues, say with my father, I will feel more equipped to provide a

knowledgeable and worthy argument by revealing impactful details of each side

that people do not realize is what causes the larger effect. And also with my
father, the most effective task would be to point out his logical fallacies in his
assertions to better have a legitimate argument.

Hmm Moment: What content are you still perplexed about and why? Explain how you will
apply the skills used in the essay (e.g. research skills, writing skills, etc.) to grapple with this
content?
I am still perplexed at the lack of evidence I was able to collect and consider from
the anthropologists support for habituation. This left me wanting more, hoping
that the field wasnt lacking this much in their understanding of second hand
effects and commitment to primate protection as well as research. To address this
perplexion I will take the comments in the grading rubric of my paper into
consideration and set sail at more research to give habituation another shot.

AHA Moment: What specific AHA moment have you had in this course about human evolution
(broadly defined)? (This does not have to be the same as your Hmmmm moment).
An AHA moment I had in this course regarding human evolution was about the
differing favorable variations that occur in divergence. The divergent evolution
from the Gracile species (I realize there could have been multiple divergent
lineages) where one lineage developed for a big brain (Homo) and the other for big
teeth (Robust) made me realize that both were incredibly advantageous for helping
a species thrive and even dominate. They were just two different avenues or ways
to be a powerful force in the animal kingdom. As stated by the professor, the
Robusts had an incredibly successful reign.