The dark history of genetics - with Adam Rutherford (2023 HBS Haldane Lecture)
The Royal Institution・2 minutes read
The speaker discusses the importance of reevaluating historical figures in the context of contemporary values, particularly focusing on figures like Julian Huxley and Francis Galton. He explores the controversial history of eugenics and the impact of individuals like Karl Pearson and Ronald Fisher, shedding light on their scientific contributions and problematic views.
Insights
- The speaker highlights the importance of reassessing historical figures in light of contemporary values, impacting how genetics is taught today.
- The discussion delves into the historical context of race creation by Carl Linnaeus, shaping social constructs based on skin color and hair texture.
- Fisher's controversial stance against the link between smoking and cancer, influenced by personal biases, was exploited by the tobacco industry, undermining scientific consensus and public health efforts.
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Recent questions
What is eugenics?
Eugenics is a belief system advocating for improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding or sterilization.
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