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Eugenics

Eugenics. Defining eugenics: “ Improving human genetic qualities”. Eugenics is a social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention. . Concepts in Eugenics. Intelligence and social class Miscegenation (racial purity)

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Eugenics

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  1. Eugenics

  2. Defining eugenics:“Improving human genetic qualities” • Eugenics is a social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention.

  3. Concepts in Eugenics • Intelligence and social class • Miscegenation (racial purity) • Hemophilia and Huntington’s Disease • Genetic defects

  4. Positive vs. Negative Eugenics • encouraging vs. restricting reproduction • Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union between 1936 and 1968

  5. Governments and Eugenics in the 20th Century • Genetic screening • Birth control • Promotion differential birth rates • Marriage restrictions • Segregation (racial and mentally ill) • Forced abortions or pregnancies • Genocide

  6. Methods of Eugenics • Mandatory eugenics: government-mandated • Promotional voluntary eugenics: suggested to the general population • Private eugenics: voluntary participation

  7. Basic ethical issue: • Pro: Eugenics is a social responsibility, an altruistic stance of a society, meant to create healthier and more intelligent people, to save resources, and lessen human suffering. • Alexander Graham Bell, George Bernard Shaw, and Margaret Sanger • Con: Eugenics is based on pseudoscience and leads to discrimination, such as in Nazi Germany. • Winston Churchill • Is there a middle ground?

  8. Eugenics Then and Now • Then: Focus on selective breeding. • Now: Focus on prenatal testing and screening, genetic counseling, birth control, in vitro fertilization, and genetic engineering.

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