Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: milwguy
Discussion of the eugenics movement, by Crichton himself

Why Politicized Science is Dangerous

The theory of eugenics postulated a crisis of the gene pool leading to the deterioration of the human race. [snip]

First, despite the construction of Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory, despite the efforts of universities and the pleadings of lawyers, there was no scientific basis for eugenics. In fact, nobody at that time knew what a gene really was. The movement was able to proceed because it employed vague terms never rigorously defined. "Feeble-mindedness" could mean anything from poverty to illiteracy to epilepsy. Similarly, there was no clear definition of "degenerate" or "unfit."

Second, the eugenics movement was really a social program masquerading as a scientific one. What drove it was concern about immigration and racism and undesirable people moving into one's neighborhood or country. Once again, vague terminology helped conceal what was really going on. The theory of eugenics postulated a crisis of the gene pool leading to the deterioration of the human race.

Third, and most distressing, the scientific establishment in both the United States and Germany did not mount any sustained protest. Quite the contrary.


21 posted on 02/19/2007 9:27:10 AM PST by syriacus (Are MURTHA and OBAMA rabid ANTI-SHI'ITES? They preferred keeping Saddam and his Sunnis in charge.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: syriacus
Global warming

Gabble Warming

Definition: Increase in ambient temperature, which is caused by overly loud and practically endless chatter about the heating of the climate.

NB. This is a self-systaining cycle, which is strengthened when conference-bound chatterers burn fossil fuel.

22 posted on 02/19/2007 9:53:44 AM PST by syriacus (Are MURTHA and OBAMA rabid ANTI-SHI'ITES? They preferred keeping Saddam and his Sunnis in charge.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson