Eugenics : a reassessment
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Eugenics : a reassessment
(Human evolution, behavior, and intelligence / Seymour W. Itzkoff, series editor)
Praeger, 2001
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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"