第1回公開講演会（共催：アメリカ研究センター）「Development Ethics and the Question of "Worthwhile" Development: Perspectives in Practice」

1st Public Lecture Anthropological Institute, Nanzan University (2026) Co-sponsored by the center for American Studies

Title: Development Ethics and the Question of "Worthwhile" Development: Perspectives in Practice

Speaker: Benjamin Huffman (University of Maryland)
Date: May 20, Wednesday 2026
Time: 18:00-19:30
Location: Anthropological Institute Building, Meeting room #102
Hybrid (In-person & Online)
Language: English

Prof. Benjamin Huffman.pdf

Abstract:

What is "worthwhile" development, and how can it be integrated into practice? This lecture approaches development ethics from a practical and anthropological perspective, emphasizing the importance of culture, values and capabilities in shaping development outcomes that are human-centric. Drawing on work from the Global Development and Design (GDD) stream at the University of Maryland's Office of Undergraduate Research, it highlights how students engage with real-world projects to critically examine the ethical dimensions of development. Particularly in relation to emerging AI technologies.

While AI can be seen as a shortcut to many solutions, it also risks reinforcing inequality and overlooking local knowledge, contributing to forms of "maldevelopment." Utilizing an anthropological lens can help recenter development around people rather than broad frameworks that have become industry standards.

Through tools like the Development Ethics Toolkit being developed by GDD, undergraduate research students translate ethical theory into practice, working as co-creators of innovative solutions. This lecture argues that worthwhile development should be at the heart of any development project, program or policy.