Eugenics : a reassessment

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

Eugenics : a reassessment

Richard Lynn

(Human evolution, behavior, and intelligence / Seymour W. Itzkoff, series editor)

Praeger, 2001

Available at  / 6 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [321]-354) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Lynn argues that the condemnation of eugenics in the second half of the 20th century went too far and offers a reassessment. The eugenic objectives of eliminating genetic diseases, increasing intelligence, and reducing personality disorders he argues, remain desirable and are achievable by human biotechnology. In this four-part analysis, Lynn begins with an account of the foundation of eugenics by Francis Galton and the rise and fall of eugenics in the twentieth century. He then sets out historical formulations on this issue and discusses in detail desirability of the new eugenics of human biotechnology. After examining the classic approach of attempting to implement eugenics by altering reproduction, Lynn concludes that the policies of classical eugenics are not politically feasible in democratic societies. The new eugenics of human biotechnology--prenatal diagnosis of embryos with genetic diseases, embryo selection, and cloning--may be more likely than classic eugenics to evolve spontaneously in western democracies. Lynn looks at the ethical issues of human biotechnologies and how they may be used by authoritarian states to promote state power. He predicts how eugenic policies and dysgenic processes are likely to affect geopolitics and the balance of power in the 21st century. Lynn offers a provocative analysis that will be of particular interest to psychologists, sociologists, demographers, and biologists concerned with issues of population change and intelligence.

Table of Contents

Preface: The General Theory of Eugenics Historical Introduction Sir Francis Galton Lays the Foundation of Eugenics The Rise and Decline of Eugenics The Objective of Eugenics Historical Formulations Genetic Diseases and Disorders Mental Illness Intelligence Mental Retardation Personality Psychopathic Personality The Implementation of Classical Eugenics The Genetic Foundations of Eugenics The Genetic Principles of Selection Negative Eugenics: Provision of Information and Services Negative Eugenics: Incentives, Coercion, and Compulsion Licenses for Parenthood Positive Eugenics Ethical Principles of Classical Eugenics The New Eugenics Development in Human Biotechnology Ethical Issues in Human Biotechnology The Future of Eugenics in Democratic Societies The Future of Eugenics in Authoritarian States The Evolution of the Eugenic World State

by "Nielsen BookData"

Related Books: 1-1 of 1

Details

  • NCID
    BA53559653
  • ISBN
    • 0275958221
  • LCCN
    00052459
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Westport
  • Pages/Volumes
    ix, 366 p.
  • Size
    24 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
  • Parent Bibliography ID
Page Top