Pros And Cons Of Eugenics
There has been a massive shift in the perception of eugenics from these events to now. Eugenics is now known as a pseudoscience with genetic science becoming more and more prevalent. Historical events, like those in the US and Germany were vital in making this positive shift, however, the biggest turning points are the increase of knowledge and biotechnology that is accessible, the change of control from the state back to the individual and a shift in the perception of those considered “unfit”. Each of these are as important as the other, changing the control has allowed all individuals to reclaim their bodies in the medical industry, despite race, gender, sexuality and health. Knowledge and biotechnology has allowed for a greater understanding
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of genetics and hereditary disorders, and has given rise to the Human genome project. This information can map human DNA sequences to predetermine congenital defects and provide the medical industry and general public with the education to make decisions subjective to the individual’s own moral and ethical beliefs. Furthermore, there has been an incredible increase in the importance of supporting and educating individuals with congenital defects. A Protestant theologian, Dr. Karl Barth (1961, p. 424), wrote: "No community whether family, village or state is really strong if it will not carry it’s weak and even its very weakest members. They belong to it no less than the strong, and the quiet work of their maintenance and care, which might seem useless on a superficial view, is perhaps more effective than common labor, culture or historical conflict in knitting it closely and securely together. On the other hand, a community which regards and treats its weak members as a hindrance, and even proceeds to their extermination, is on the verge of collapse." When looking at these turning points and perception that have changed prior to WWII it is clear that the primary foundations of eugenics are unsustainable and that genetics can provide society with more knowledgeable, ethical and individualised solutions leading into the future.
The future of Genetics is unknown, highly controversial and very powerful.
As knowledge and technology increases so does power. Those that can afford to use biotechnology will, and those who cannot afford will be left powerless. Therefore the rich become richer and the poor will be disadvantaged. There is also fear that, just as it has in the past, the power will shift back from the individual to that state in order to manage the populations size and health in a very utilitarian approach. Although eugenics in the sense of the word is now nonexistent, many modern genetic practices can be regarded as similar or the same for instance “Prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion of fetuses with malformations or genetic disease can be considered an earlier phase of the same philosophy (German euthanasia of children with congenital defects)- namely, the elimination of lives not worth living (Tormey 1976).” Another issue regarding prenatal alteration is that of designer babies and the similarities this has to historically superior races influenced by eugenic ideologies. Genetics as a science is a historical scientific breakthrough that has changed the world, “but it also unleashed criticism, ranging from moderate philosophy to doomsday prophecy. Some scenarios were of the stuff of science fiction: human clones, androids, cyborgs, super-intelligent-strong-creative humans, post-humans, a world divided into a genetically enhanced elite and genetically deprived poles etc. There is talk of a loss of “human hood” and the human meaning of life, of scientists “playing God” — of interfering with nature, of being morally unconcerned with the social consequences of their research.” (Agar, 2004). Genetics presents many controversial and ethical issue for the future that resonate with many historical events and
concepts.
Sir Francis Galton’s development of the term Eugenics has had significant impact in history and helped to shape what we now know as genetics. The eugenics movements in the US and Germany were initially postulated to provide progress and modernity for the betterment of the nations. Not only did this not happen, but severe discrimination and genocide was a result for those that are considered ‘other’. In these cases racial discrimination was both a main, and ongoing cause for eugenics, and those of inferior sexuality, gender, health and beliefs were all punished through the medicalisation of policies such as sterilisation and euthanasia. Horrific historical event have allowed society to distinguish between what is ethical and unethical and although the concept of eugenics has died many of its ideologies still thrive in genetic science today. Eugenics sparked interest hereditary inheritance and congenital defects has shaped genetic science allowing for breakthroughs like the human genome project and pre-natal screening. The future of genetics is unknown and full of potential and speculation.
of genetics and hereditary disorders, and has given rise to the Human genome project. This information can map human DNA sequences to predetermine congenital defects and provide the medical industry and general public with the education to make decisions subjective to the individual’s own moral and ethical beliefs. Furthermore, there has been an incredible increase in the importance of supporting and educating individuals with congenital defects. A Protestant theologian, Dr. Karl Barth (1961, p. 424), wrote: "No community whether family, village or state is really strong if it will not carry it’s weak and even its very weakest members. They belong to it no less than the strong, and the quiet work of their maintenance and care, which might seem useless on a superficial view, is perhaps more effective than common labor, culture or historical conflict in knitting it closely and securely together. On the other hand, a community which regards and treats its weak members as a hindrance, and even proceeds to their extermination, is on the verge of collapse." When looking at these turning points and perception that have changed prior to WWII it is clear that the primary foundations of eugenics are unsustainable and that genetics can provide society with more knowledgeable, ethical and individualised solutions leading into the future.
The future of Genetics is unknown, highly controversial and very powerful.
As knowledge and technology increases so does power. Those that can afford to use biotechnology will, and those who cannot afford will be left powerless. Therefore the rich become richer and the poor will be disadvantaged. There is also fear that, just as it has in the past, the power will shift back from the individual to that state in order to manage the populations size and health in a very utilitarian approach. Although eugenics in the sense of the word is now nonexistent, many modern genetic practices can be regarded as similar or the same for instance “Prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion of fetuses with malformations or genetic disease can be considered an earlier phase of the same philosophy (German euthanasia of children with congenital defects)- namely, the elimination of lives not worth living (Tormey 1976).” Another issue regarding prenatal alteration is that of designer babies and the similarities this has to historically superior races influenced by eugenic ideologies. Genetics as a science is a historical scientific breakthrough that has changed the world, “but it also unleashed criticism, ranging from moderate philosophy to doomsday prophecy. Some scenarios were of the stuff of science fiction: human clones, androids, cyborgs, super-intelligent-strong-creative humans, post-humans, a world divided into a genetically enhanced elite and genetically deprived poles etc. There is talk of a loss of “human hood” and the human meaning of life, of scientists “playing God” — of interfering with nature, of being morally unconcerned with the social consequences of their research.” (Agar, 2004). Genetics presents many controversial and ethical issue for the future that resonate with many historical events and
concepts.
Sir Francis Galton’s development of the term Eugenics has had significant impact in history and helped to shape what we now know as genetics. The eugenics movements in the US and Germany were initially postulated to provide progress and modernity for the betterment of the nations. Not only did this not happen, but severe discrimination and genocide was a result for those that are considered ‘other’. In these cases racial discrimination was both a main, and ongoing cause for eugenics, and those of inferior sexuality, gender, health and beliefs were all punished through the medicalisation of policies such as sterilisation and euthanasia. Horrific historical event have allowed society to distinguish between what is ethical and unethical and although the concept of eugenics has died many of its ideologies still thrive in genetic science today. Eugenics sparked interest hereditary inheritance and congenital defects has shaped genetic science allowing for breakthroughs like the human genome project and pre-natal screening. The future of genetics is unknown and full of potential and speculation.