Mukundan(2234018)

Ankush kumar(2234004)
Dr. Kekhronguu Dazo
Dr. Dhanesh M
BEST431
30 January 2024

Research Proposal

Debunking positivism and inherent good of humankind

Introduction

In this paper, we shall discuss what is the issue with humankind and how the idea of Positivity
and inherent good of humankind apply in only some cases. and not in all cases and shows how
humans are inherently selfish and greedy and think about themselves
Literature review

The key debates in the book “humankind” by roger Bergmann is that human is inherently
good and in times of crisis, the humans instead of helping themselves, will try to help each other
survive and gives multiple examples of that from Florida floods to few children who went out
sailing and reached `Ata an island near Fiji from Nuku ‘alofa and how they stayed together till
the end and they survived deserted island a real-life lord of the flies. The human brains are made
cunning and are less smart than Neanderthals or even chimps in an “experiment developed a test
to assess how adults stack up against chimpanzees. Subjects were placed in front of a screen that
flashed a set of digits (from one to nine). After a given amount of time – always less than a
second – the digits were replaced by white squares. Test subjects were instructed to tap the spots
on the screen where the numbers had appeared, in order from low to high. Briefly, it looked like
Team Human would beat Team Chimp. But when researchers made the test harder (by having the
numbers disappear sooner), the chimps pulled ahead. The Einstein of the group was Ayuma, who
was faster than the other participants and made fewer Errors. Yuma was a chimpanzee.”
(Bergmann chapter 3, The Rise of Homo puppy)

The claim of Roger Bergmann is that “It is when crisis hits – when the bombs fall, or the
floodwaters rise – that we humans become our best selves. And claims that the veneer theory is a
half-baked one but in reality, the veneer theory is actually which runs the world for the “notion
that civilization is nothing more than a thin veneer that will crack at the merest provocation.,” is
what happens in the real world a smallest scrape in human ego can cause and caused many
battles across the world.
It is true that humankind is a paradoxical creature with intent to both destroy and love with equal
mood on one side humans kills animals and birds for their meat and flesh while on other side,
they also love and care for animals they want. yet another example would be the world calling
for peace but waging war with itself at the same time.
I would like to refute it by referring to Hobbes,
“So that in the first place, I put for a general inclination of all mankind a perpetual and
restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death. And the cause of this is not
always that a man hopes for a more intensive delight than he has already attained to, or that he
cannot be content with a moderate power, but because he cannot assure the power and means to
live well, which hath present, without the acquisition of more. . . Competition of riches, honor,
command, or other power inclineth to contention, enmity, and war, because the way of one
competitor to the attaining of his desire is to kill, subdue, supplant, or repel the other.” (Hobbes
book 1 chapter 10)
That is the humankind is a brute creature who has innate vices which cannot be overcome
and the humans during every opportunity show this brutish behaviour towards each other and to
animals and inanimate beings. And during a period of anarchy, we humans believe in our
personal good rather than the collective good and welfare for all of us and therefore act selfishly
and to fulfil our own selfish interests, we act rashly, and hurt others be it mortal, animals or
inanimate objects.

"The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil" by Philip Zimbardo (2007):
 - Zimbardo's book examines the Stanford Prison Experiment and other instances of human
behaviour to explore how situational factors can lead individuals to engage in harmful actions.
This challenges the idea of inherent goodness and emphasizes the influence of external
circumstances.

*"The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined" by Steven Pinker (2011):*
- Pinker challenges the pessimistic view of human nature by presenting a historical analysis
that argues violence has decreased over time. He explores factors contributing to this decline and
suggests that humans are capable of positive social and moral progress.

The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature" by Steven Pinker (2002):
- Pinker challenges the concept of the "blank slate," the idea that humans are born without
inherent traits or predispositions. He argues for a more nuanced understanding of human nature,
acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of our innate tendencies.

"Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" by Yuval Noah Harari (2015):

- Harari explores the trajectory of human evolution and speculates on the future of humanity.
He questions the assumption of inherent human goodness and discusses how technological
advancements and societal changes may shape the moral landscape.

"Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes (1651):

- Hobbes' classic work challenges the optimistic view of human nature, proposing that humans
are naturally driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. His ideas laid the groundwork for
discussions on the necessity of social contracts and governance to restrain human behaviour.

These texts contribute to the discourse on debunking positivism and the inherent goodness of
humankind by offering diverse perspectives from historical, psychological, and philosophical
lenses. They question idealistic views of human nature and explore the complexities and
challenges associated with understanding human behaviour.

Research Question
• To what extent do historical and contemporary examples support the notion of inherent
good in humans?
• Do crises truly bring out the "best" in humans?
 • How does the "veneer theory" (civilization as a thin mask) manifest in everyday life and
global events?
• What role do cognitive and evolutionary factors play in the human capacity for both love
and destruction?
• What alternative frameworks exist for understanding human nature beyond inherent good
or universalevil?

Research Objectives
• To critically evaluate the philosophical oundationsof positivism and its implications on
understanding human nature.
• To examine psychological theories that either support or challenge the notion of the
inherent goodness of humankind.
• To analyze sociological perspectives on the inherent goodness of individuals and its
impact on societal structures.
• To explore historical case studies that highlight instances where human behavior
contradicts the assumption of inherent goodness.
• To assess the implications of debunking positivism and the belief in inherent human
goodness on contemporary thought and societal narratives.

Major Texts and Ideas

1. "The Human Condition" by Hannah Arendt (1958) - Arendt critically examines the nature of
human existence and challenges the notion of inherent goodness. She explores the impact of modernity on
human behavior, highlighting the potential for dehumanization and the loss of moral and ethical values in
contemporary society.

2. "The Birth of the Clinic" by Michel Foucault (1963): - Foucault's work, particularly in this
book, questions the objectivity of scientific and positivist approaches in understanding human nature and
behavior. He critiques the medical gaze and the way institutions shape our perceptions of normality,
challenging the optimistic view of progress associated with positivism.

3. "Discipline and Punish" by Michel Foucault (1975): - Another significant work by Foucault,
this book explores the development of modern disciplinary institutions. Foucault critiques the positivist
belief in progress and reason, arguing that societal structures often lead to surveillance, control, and the
manipulation of individuals, challenging the idea of inherent human goodness.

4. "Beyond Good and Evil" by Friedrich Nietzsche (1886) - Nietzsche's philosophical

exploration delves into the concept of morality and challenges traditional notions of good and evil. He
critiques the idea of inherent human goodness, advocating for a reevaluation of values and emphasizing
the importance of individual will and the overcoming of societal norms.

5. "Orientalism" by Edward Said (1978): - While not directly addressing the inherent goodness of
humankind, Said's work on Orientalism challenges the positivist and Eurocentric worldview prevalent in
Western academia. By exposing the biases in the study of non-Western cultures, Said contributes to the
broader discourse on questioning assumed truths and challenging the objectivity of positivist perspectives.

These texts and ideas collectively contribute to a nuanced exploration of the limitations and
pitfalls associated with positivism and the simplistic belief in the inherent goodness of humankind. They
encourage critical thinking and a reevaluation of established paradigms in understanding human nature
and society.

Research methodology
Objective: This research aims to critically assess the assumptions of positivism and
challenge the belief in the inherent goodness of humankind. Employing a multidisciplinary
approach, the study integrates philosophical, psychological, sociological, and historical
perspectives to debunk positivism and offer a nuanced understanding of human nature.

1. Literature Review: Conduct an exhaustive review of philosophical, psychological,

sociological, and historical literature related to positivism and inherent human goodness. Identify
key arguments, theories, and counterarguments to establish a comprehensive foundation.

2. Qualitative Analysis: Employ content analysis on philosophical and psychological

texts contributing to positivism. Scrutinize assumptions, biases, and conceptualizations of human
nature within these texts.

3. Quantitative Analysis: Design surveys to explore public perceptions of inherent human

goodness and attitudes towards positivist ideals. Utilize statistical methods to analyze responses
and identify patterns.

4. Case Studies: - Select historical case studies highlighting instances where human
behavior contradicts positivist assumptions. Analyze contextual factors contributing to deviations
from the positivist perspective.

5. Interviews and Focus Groups: - Conduct interviews and focus groups with scholars and
experts from diverse disciplines. Explore alternative perspectives and gather insights
challenging positivism and notions of inherent human goodness.

6. Comparative Analysis: Integrate findings from qualitative and quantitative analyses,

case studies, and interviews to conduct a comparative analysis. Identify patterns, contradictions,
and overarching themes.

7. Poststructuralist Critique: - Apply poststructuralist theories, particularly from scholars

like Michel Foucault and Judith Butler, to deconstruct positivist assumptions. Analyze how these
perspectives offer alternative insights into human nature.

8. Ethical Considerations: - Ensure ethical handling of data, respecting participant

confidentiality and addressing biases. Acknowledge potential limitations and ethical challenges
associated with the research.

9. Synthesis and Conclusion: - Synthesize findings to debunk positivism and present a

nuanced understanding of human nature Conclude by discussing the broader implications for
social sciences and contemporary thought.

10. Dissemination: Prepare research papers, articles, and presentations for dissemination.
Engage with academic and public forums to share findings and encourage critical discourse.

Proposed timelines,
Given the longer timeframe of January 1 to January 31, here's a more detailed proposed
timeline for conducting research on debunking positivism and the inherent good of humankind:

Week 1 (January 1 - 7): Project Initiation and Preliminary Research

January 1 - 3: Project Kickoff
- Define the research scope, objectives, and expected outcomes.
- Allocate roles and responsibilities within the research team (if applicable).
January 4 – : Preliminary Literature Review
- Begin an initial review of literature related to positivism, inherent human goodness,
and relevant critiques.
- Identify key texts, theories, and debates in the discourse. January 11 - 14:
Methodology Design
- Develop a detailed research methodology, including literature review, qualitative
analysis, quantitative analysis, and case studies.
- Address ethical considerations associated with each research method.

Week 2 (January 8 - 14): Refinement of Research Questions and Methodology Design

January 8 - 10: Refinement of Research Questions
- Review and refine the initial set of research questions based on the preliminary
literature review.

Week 3 (January 15 - 21): Data Collection and In-Depth Literature Review

January 15 - 17: Literature Review
- Deepen the literature review, extracting key arguments, evidence, and
counterarguments.
- Identify gaps in existing literature for further exploration.
January 18 - 21: Data Collection
- Begin data collection, whether through surveys, experiments, interviews, or focus
group discussions.
- Ensure proper organization and documentation of collected data.

Week 4 (January 22 - 28): Data Analysis and Case Study Analysis

January 22 - 24: Data Analysis
- Conduct quantitative data analysis, interpreting survey or experimental results.
- Begin qualitative data analysis, coding and categorizing interview responses.
- January 25 - 28: Case Study Analysis
- Analyze selected historical case studies, extracting relevant insights.
- Examine contextual factors influencing human behavior in instances challenging
positivism and inherent goodness.

Week 5 (January 29 - 31): Synthesis, Conclusion, and Finalization

January 29: Synthesis of Findings
- Integrate findings from literature review, data analysis, and case study analysis.
- Identify common themes and contradictions across different disciplines.
January 30: Conclusion and Reflection
 - Draft a conclusion that addresses the limitations of positivism and inherent human
goodness.
- Reflect on the interdisciplinary nature of the research and propose avenues for future
exploration.
- January 31: Finalization and Preparation
- Review and finalize the research document, ensuring coherence and clarity.
- Prepare an outline for a research paper or presentation.
- Consider potential avenues for disseminating research findings beyond the initial
study.

This extended timeline allows for a phased and thorough approach to the research
process, ensuring sufficient time for literature review, data collection, and analysis. Adjustments
can be made based on the specific requirements and complexities of the research.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this research challenges the assumptions of positivism and the belief in the
inherent goodness of humankind. Through a multidisciplinary lens encompassing philosophy,
psychology, sociology, and history, the study reveals nuanced insights. Findings from content
analysis, surveys, case studies, and expert interviews converge to debunk positivism. The diverse
perspectives examined highlight the limitations of universalizing assumptions about human
nature. This research contributes to a more holistic understanding of humanity, acknowledging
complexities and contextual factors that shape behavior. Embracing poststructuralist critiques,
the conclusion advocates for a paradigm shift in social sciences, encouraging a nuanced and
dynamic perspective on the intricacies of human existence.

References

Rossi, Philip J., SJ. The Social Authority of Reason: Kant’s Critique, Radical Evil,
and the Destiny of Humankind. State University of New York Press, 2012.

The Problem of Evil in the Thought of Jean-Jacques Rousseau