EUGENICS Meaning and
Definition
-
Eugenics is a concept that refers to the study and application of methods aimed at improving the genetic traits of a population or species through controlled breeding and selective reproduction. The term originated from the combination of the Greek words "eu" (meaning good or well) and "genēs" (meaning born or produced), emphasizing the idea of improving or bettering the genetic composition of future generations.
Typically associated with the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eugenics gained popularity as a result of social and scientific ideas that aimed to promote positive human traits and eliminate undesirable characteristics. Proponents of eugenics believed that by controlling mating and reproduction, they could enhance the physical, mental, and moral qualities of the human population.
However, eugenics has been widely criticized due to its association with harmful practices and ideologies. Historically, eugenics has been used to justify discrimination, sterilization, and even genocide against marginalized groups or those deemed undesirable based on race, disability, or socioeconomic status.
In modern times, eugenics is generally regarded as morally and ethically unacceptable due to its fundamental violations of human rights, principles of equality, and respect for diversity. However, the legacy of eugenics still has implications on debates surrounding genetic engineering, assisted reproductive technologies, and reproductive choices, warranting caution and ethical considerations when discussing the potential manipulation of genetic traits.
-
The science which deals with the influences, especially prenatal influences, that tend to better the innate qualities of man and to develop them to the highest degree.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for EUGENICS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for EUGENICS
Etymology of EUGENICS
The word "eugenics" is derived from the Greek roots "eu" meaning "good" or "well", and "genos" meaning "race" or "birth". The term was coined in 1883 by Sir Francis Galton, a British scientist and cousin of Charles Darwin, who was instrumental in the development of the concept of eugenics. Galton referred to eugenics as "the study of agencies under social control that may improve or impair the racial qualities of future generations either physically or mentally". The word "eugenics" hence refers to the idea of improving the genetic quality of the human population, often by selectively breeding individuals with desirable characteristics while discouraging or preventing those with undesirable traits from reproducing.
Similar spelling words for EUGENICS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
