Scientific Consequentialism: Potential Problems with an Outcome-Driven Form of Indigenous Archaeology

Abstract

“Scientific consequentialism” is the position that the rightness and wrongness of scientific research and reporting is determined by its effects on individuals or groups, rather than by its adherence to the ideals of the scientific method. Indigenous archaeology asserts that archaeology ought to be performed “with, by, and for” indigenous peoples, and in its reasonable form, Indigenous archaeology is important to making Western science more respectful of Indigenous concerns and more applicable to studying peoples with metaphysically inclusive worldviews. However, some proponents advocate for an extreme, consequentialist form of “for” which seeks to limit scientists to research and results that serve and benefit Indigenous peoples’ social and political interests. This may include suppressing undesirable research or results, manipulating scientists or the scientific process, and avoiding research into certain subjects, all of which are presented as morally required efforts toward “the good” of decolonization. This extreme, outcome-driven form of Indigenous archaeology is irreconcilable with and even antithetical to the ideals of Western science, risks unintended negative consequences over the long term, and is no more appropriate now to support decolonial agendas than were consequentialist efforts in the past to support colonial agendas.