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Eugenics A Reassessment
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Richard Lynn
ISBN: 0-275-95822-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-95822-0
380 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 6/30/2001
List Price: $151.95 (UK Sterling Price: £104.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: Lynn argues that the condemnation of eugenics in the second half of the 20th century went too far and offers a reassessment. The eugenic objectives of eliminating genetic diseases, increasing intelligence, and reducing personality disorders he argues, remain desirable and are achievable by human biotechnology. In this four-part analysis, Lynn begins with an account of the foundation of eugenics by Francis Galton and the rise and fall of eugenics in the twentieth century. He then sets out historical formulations on this issue and discusses in detail desirability of the new eugenics of human biotechnology. After examining the classic approach of attempting to implement eugenics by altering reproduction, Lynn concludes that the policies of classical eugenics are not politically feasible in democratic societies.

The new eugenics of human biotechnology--prenatal diagnosis of embryos with genetic diseases, embryo selection, and cloning--may be more likely than classic eugenics to evolve spontaneously in western democracies. Lynn looks at the ethical issues of human biotechnologies and how they may be used by authoritarian states to promote state power. He predicts how eugenic policies and dysgenic processes are likely to affect geopolitics and the balance of power in the 21st century. Lynn offers a provocative analysis that will be of particular interest to psychologists, sociologists, demographers, and biologists concerned with issues of population change and intelligence.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface: The General Theory of Eugenics
    Historical Introduction
    Sir Francis Galton Lays the Foundation of Eugenics
    The Rise and Decline of Eugenics
    The Objective of Eugenics
    Historical Formulations
    Genetic Diseases and Disorders
    Mental Illness
    Intelligence
    Mental Retardation
    Personality
    Psychopathic Personality
    The Implementation of Classical Eugenics
    The Genetic Foundations of Eugenics
    The Genetic Principles of Selection
    Negative Eugenics: Provision of Information and Services
    Negative Eugenics: Incentives, Coercion, and Compulsion
    Licenses for Parenthood
    Positive Eugenics
    Ethical Principles of Classical Eugenics
    The New Eugenics
    Development in Human Biotechnology
    Ethical Issues in Human Biotechnology
    The Future of Eugenics in Democratic Societies
    The Future of Eugenics in Authoritarian States
    The Evolution of the Eugenic World State
About the Author: RICHARD LYNN is Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland./e Professor Lynn has held positions at the University of Exeter and the Dublin Economic and Social Research Institute. Among his earlier publications are Educational Achievement in Japan and Dysgenics: Genetic Deterioration in Modern Populations (Praeger, 1996).
LCC Class: 363
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