Eugenic values

Sci Context. 1998 Autumn-Winter;11(3-4):455-70.

Abstract

Eugenics is generally regarded as evil; but what was its sin? Racism, class bias, and violation of reproductive freedom, which tainted objectionable eugenic interventions, are not part of the core notion of eugenics. A number of candidates have been suggested as the wrong inherent in eugenics, ranging from statism to the impossibility of consensus on the ideal human being. It is most plausible to view eugenics as sharing moral dilemmas with much of public health, and the critical issues as those of distributive justice.

MeSH terms

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Eugenics*
  • Genetic Determinism
  • Human Rights
  • Humans
  • Prejudice
  • Public Policy
  • Social Justice
  • Social Values*