The ethical exercise in dispute: between teaching, imperialism, and reflexivity in anthropological practice

Abstract

This article presents an ethical exercise related to academic and institutional trajectories in anthropological research and teaching, in a political context where ethical considerations are centered around supervisory regulations. The value of teaching practice is highlighted through the author’s experience articulating participation in a seminar on ethics and human rights, a required course for the degree in Anthropology at the Universidad de la República (Montevideo, Uruguay), with experience participating in the evaluation process of the ethics committee at the Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), which was charged with reviewing and approving a doctoral research project. This ethical exercise is uniquely expressed in different arenas in which our research processes unfold: in fieldwork, in particular political contexts, and in teaching practice, providing feedback throughout the research, debate, and analysis process.

Keywords

• Anthropology; Ethics; Teaching