LYSENKOISM Meaning and
Definition
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Lysenkoism refers to a now discredited and controversial theory and practice of agriculture and biology associated with Soviet biologist Trofim Lysenko. The term is used to describe the pseudoscientific methodology and ideology that Lysenko advocated and imposed during his time in power, particularly within the Soviet Union from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Lysenkoism rejected the principles of classical genetics and evolutionary biology in favor of a hybrid of Lamarckian inheritance and dialectical materialism, the philosophical framework propagated by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Lysenko argued that acquired traits could be inherited and that environment could directly influence heredity, dismissing the role of genes in organisms' development.
Under the influence of Lysenkoism, the Soviet Union witnessed the suppression and persecution of geneticists, biologists, and other scientists who disagreed with Lysenko's theories. This led to serious repercussions, as extensive agricultural and horticultural policies were based on his unfounded beliefs. These policies often resulted in economic losses and widespread famines due to the implementation of inefficient agricultural practices.
Ultimately, Lysenkoism was internationally recognized as pseudoscience and discredited by the mid-20th century. The term "lysenkoism" has since been used more broadly to refer to any ideologically driven rejection of scientific consensus and expertise, particularly in the field of biology. It stands as a warning against the dangers of allowing political ideology to supersede empirical evidence and scientific inquiry.
Common Misspellings for LYSENKOISM
- kysenkoism
- pysenkoism
- oysenkoism
- ltsenkoism
- lgsenkoism
- lhsenkoism
- lusenkoism
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Etymology of LYSENKOISM
The term "lysenkoism" refers to the political abuse of science and the imposition of unscientific and ideologically driven ideas in the field of biology. It is named after Trofim Lysenko, a Soviet biologist and agronomist who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century.
Lysenkoism emerged as an official doctrine under Joseph Stalin's regime in the Soviet Union and became influential in the field of biology throughout the Eastern Bloc countries. Lysenko rejected genetics, specifically the principles of Mendelian inheritance, and instead proposed a non-Darwinian concept known as "Lysenkoism" or "Michurinism".
The etymology of "lysenkoism" is straightforward - it is derived from the name "Lysenko". The suffix "-ism" is added to indicate the ideology or doctrine associated with a particular person, concept, or movement.
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