Annotated Bibliography Focused on Eugenics

EUGENICS

Eugenics

Annotated Bibliography

In basic terms, eugenics has got to do with attempts to minimize human infirmities and frailties by deliberately partaking in the promotion of certain hereditary traits deemed desirable. This could be accomplished via selective mating. Proponents of the practice have pointed out that it comes in handy in attempts to ‘weed out’ certain population characteristics that are undesirable (i.e. disabilities and diseases) – hence effectively helping in the reduction of human suffering. It would, however, be prudent to note that there are those who happen to oppose the practice or concept of eugenics in its entirety. One leading argument against eugenics is that it would be hard to determine where exactly to stop in the pursuit for perfection. This is to say that the embrace of eugenics comes with the imposition of perfection standards that are largely arbitrary. This annotated bibliography will explore the nature and practice of eugenics through the eyes of multiple authors.

Allen, G. (2011). Eugenics and Modern Biology: Critiques of Eugenics, 1910–1945. Annals of Human Genetics, 75(3), 314-325.

The author of the present article makes a finding to the effect that there were quite a number of unsettling issues with the 20th century eugenics. Similar findings have been made by other authors identified in this annotation, such as Brack in Hume\\\\\\\'s Law and Genetic Engineering: Considering the Possible Implications of Positive Eugenics in Light of Our Horrific Past. It is, however, important to note that unlike the other articles that have been highlighted herein (which mainly focus on the ethical aspects), the author of the present article elects to focus on exactly what wrong from a biological perspective. The article will come in handy in attempts to demonstrate that with advances in technology, most of the cons of eugenics from a biological point of view have since been resolved.

Aultman, J.M. (2006). Eugenomics: Eugenics and Ethics in the 21st Century. Genomics, Society and Policy, 2(2), 28-49.

This is yet another instrumental resource in efforts to highlight the various ethical dilemmas in the practice of eugenics. In addition to pointing out the most crucial ethical dilemmas, the author of this particular text also assesses some of the social dilemmas that have been identified in this realm. In so doing, the author is able to demonstrate that there were numerous moral red flags in 20th century’s eugenic programs. Being aware of these red flags is a step in the right direction in as far as advancing the eugenics agenda in the 21st century is concerned. The ideas presented in this article will be instrumental in efforts to propose the approaches that stakeholders ought to embrace to ensure that the ethical concerns associated with eugenics are sufficiently addressed.

Anomaly, J. (2018). Defending Eugenics. Monash Bioethics Review, 35, 24-35.

From the onset, the author makes an interesting claim to the effect that we appear to be moving from a culture of child bearing as a consequence of sexual activity, to childbearing as a byproduct of rational parental choices. As a consequence, parents now have greater say in decisions relating to the health and wellbeing of the child – even before it is born. I will use the article to demonstrate that this is not necessarily a bad thing. In essence, I will be using the article to promote the assertion that there is no justification, whatsoever, to roll “the genetic dice by having children without thinking about the traits they will have” (p. 25).

Brack, C.E. (2020). Hume\\\\\\\'s Law and Genetic Engineering: Considering the Possible Implications of Positive Eugenics in Light of Our Horrific Past. Inquiries Journal, 12(10), 11-17.

The author in this case blames the poor ethical record of the 20th century eugenics movement on the coalescence between science and religion. More specifically, the author makes a finding to the effect that “eugenicists combined religious and cultural ideas about inferior people with pseudoscientific justifications to impart their beliefs onto others in tangible ways” (p. 14). According to the author, fast forward to the 21st century and there are still remnants of these ideals and practices in the modern society. With this in mind, the ideals presented in the current article will be of great relevance in suggesting ways through which the horrors of the eugenics movements of the 19th and 20th century could be averted going forward. Thus, the article is a manual of sorts in directing our ‘behavior’ in the light of new technologies that offer endless opportunities to advance the eugenics agenda.

Caplan, A.L., McGee, G. & Magnus, D. (1999). What is Immoral about Eugenics? BMJ, 319(7220), 12-18.

The debate over whether eugenics is moral is moral or immoral has been going on for a while. As a matter of fact, while others are convinced that the practice is immoral and ought not to be permitted in a self-respecting society, there are those who are of the opinion that there is nothing wrong in engaging in undertakings meant to promote the general wellbeing of the human race. The authors of the present article explore this debate in an impartial and informed manner. This article will be instrumental as I seek to demonstrate that although there are some valid arguments against the practice of eugenics (from an ethical standpoint), there is a solid moral case that could also be presented in favor of the practice. Indeed, as the authors of this present piece have pointed out, there are many aspects of eugenics that are ethically defensible. This is particularly the case in those scenarios where effort is made to ensure that no person is disadvantaged or disempowered in any manner by the practice.

Cavaliere, G. (2018). Looking into the Shadow: The Eugenics Argument in Debates on Reproductive Technologies and Practices. Monash Bioethics Review, 36(3-4), 78-85.

The author in this case explores the nature and meaning of eugenics in contemporary settings and how the practice relates reproductive technologies. According to the author, there are various ethical issues that have been explored in the past in the realm of reproductive technologies. One of the most contentious issue on this front happens to be eugenics. I will be using the present article to find out whether it is possible to reduce the practice of eugenics in the realm of reproductive technologies into a set of uniform and clearly defined practices.

Farber, S.A. (2008). U.S. Scientists\\\\\\\' Role in the Eugenics Movement (1907–1939): A Contemporary Biologist\\\\\\\'s Perspective. Zebrafish, 5(4), 243-245.

This is yet another article that sheds light on the genesis of eugenics. In this particular case, the author is categorical that the term eugenics was first coined by a person by the name Francis Galton. There are many great thinkers and prominent personalities who have been in favor of eugenics as a way to better the human race. Some of those who have been identified in the present text are inclusive of, but they are not limited to, Woodrow Wilson, John Maynard Keynes, Winston Churchill, and Graham Bell. Alongside a number of other articles that have been highlighted elsewhere in this annotation, this particular article will enable me to chart the development of the eugenics movement over time. It will also enable me to predict the future of eugenics – based on its course over the last few decades. Further, it will enable me to argue in favor of the formulation and implementation of significant controls in eugenics practice owing to the fact that, as has been pointed out in the article, there are plenty of opportunities for the wrongful and unethical deployment of the same – i.e. as a way to advance ideals rooted in forced sterilization and state-sponsored discrimination.

Garver, K.L. & Garver, B. (1991). Eugenics: past, present, and the future. Am J Hum Genet, 49(5), 1109-1118.

This is yet another article that attempts to trace eugenics movements’ history. It will, thus, complement yet another article that has been highlighted in this annotation, titled Eugenics and Human Rights, that also seeks to chart how the practice of eugenics has progressed over time. More specifically, the authors of the present article focus on the progress of the eugenics movement and programs in Germany and America. The authors in this case rely on certain dated resources that would have been hard to find elsewhere. I will make use of the article in my efforts to explore and track the eugenics movement over the last several decades.

Iredale, R. (2000). Eugenics and its Relevance to Contemporary Health Care. Nursing Ethics, 7(3), 44-51.

To be able to present a valid and strong case for eugenics, there will be need to take into consideration the objectives of traditional eugenics. In the present article, written more than two decades ago, the authors assess the applications of eugenics in healthcare settings at the time as well as the overall goal behind the practice from a traditional perspective. I will be using the article to determine whether anything has changed over the last two decades in as far as the goals and application of eugenics is concerned.

Jacob, A. (2012). Toward an Ethical Eugenics: The Case for Mandatory Preimplantation Genetic Selection. JONA’S Healthcare Law, Ethics, and Regulation, 14(1), 7-13.

In this case, the author makes a pretty interesting argument in favor of eugenics. According to the author, we have a responsibility to promote the health and wellbeing of future generations. In this case, the ethical consideration of greatest relevance is whether we should allow the birth of children with extremely limiting or life threatening disabilities. According to the author, advances in technology have made it possible for medical practitioners to screen embryos and, possibly, terminate pregnancies incase serious disabilities are identified. Of relevance on this front is the preimplantation genetic diagnosis technology. To a large extent, this is one of the articles that will inform my support for eugenics as a means to promote the general wellbeing and health of human beings, while at the same time reducing pain and suffering.

Kevles, D.J. (1999). Eugenics and Human Rights. British Medical Journal, 319(7202), 435-438.

The author of the present article points out that eugenics has been practiced in multiple settings in the past. Most notably, he observes that although it has been strongly associated with the Nazis, it has found favor over the last several decades in, amongst other places, Britain, Canada, and the United States. As a matter of fact, between the 1930s and the 1970s, tens of thousands of people in Sweden were sterilized in an attempt to reign in or stamp out genetic disorders as well as diseases. Was this, however, done within the confines of ethics and morality? This is a well-written article that utilizes multiple reliable sources. The article will come in handy as I seek to trace the origins of eugenics and its deployment in the society in the past.

Neri, D. (1999). On the concept of eugenics: preliminaries to a critical appraisal. Cad. Saúde Pública, 15(1), 27-34.

This is one of the few articles that attempt to clearly highlight the various arguments that have been presented in the past – both those in favor of eugenics and those against the said concept. To a large extent, the author elects to highlight the key moral arguments that have been floated over time. It therefore follows that this is one of the key articles I will be relying upon to present a case in favor of eugenics. Indeed, the author of the present article comes to the informed and fair conclusion that although we should embrace an ‘open door’ stance in our dealing with eugenics, we still have an obligation to be cautions so as to ensure that we do not go overboard.

Pilgrim, D. (2008). The Eugenic Legacy in Psychology and Psychiatry. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 54(3), 272-284.

The author of the present piece is categorical that the relevance of eugenics discourse cannot be overstated in the social psychiatry inter-disciplinary field. It should be noted that there are many fields of relevance to the practice of eugenics. These are inclusive of, but they are not limited to, anthropology, sociology, biology, as well as psychology and psychiatry. The present research explores eugenics from the latter perspective. Thus, I will be making use of the piece to explore how the practice could impact certain qualitative aspects of population – i.e. with respect to personality and intelligence.

Ramsden, E. (2009). Confronting the Stigma of Eugenics: Genetics, Demography and the Problems of Population. Social Studies of Science, 39(6), 853-884.

In the present article, the author is categorical that despite efforts to demystify eugenics and merge it with the liberty and diversity ideals, it has continued to be deployed as a stigma symbol. This, the author points out is not the proper way to go. There are multiple ideas highlighted in the article in relation to the management of the said stigma. I will use the article to demonstrate that there is need to ensure that eugenics is part and parcel of policy and science. This is more so the case given that, as it has been pointed out in the article, it is possible to attain optimal genotype as well as population by embracing eugenic ideals that are less radical and controversial.

Semach, T. (2015). The Ethics of the New Eugenics. Disability and Society, 30(8), 1295-1297.

In the present review, the utilization and the connotation of the term ‘eugenics’ over time has been explored. It should be noted that as the author points out, there is need for the said term to be accurately described or employed prior to discussions about the ethics of the practice of eugenics. The author also highlights the eugenic procedures being utilized today. It is important to note that a multidisciplinary team was involved in the completion of the reviewed text. The said team was sanctioned by the Scottish Council on Human Rights. Towards this end, the findings made on this front could be deemed reliable and well-considered. I will be making use of this piece to guide my research on the various eugenic procedures being utilized today.

Stolerman, K. (2017). The American Eugenics Movement: A Study of the Dispersal and Application of Radical Ideologies. Aisthesis, 8, 13-21.

Like Aultman in Eugenomics: Eugenics and Ethics in the 21st Century, the author of the present article points out that the eugenic practices of the 19th and 20th century were largely unethical. As a matter of fact, the author is of the opinion that in comparison to the eugenics ideals of today, the notions of the eugenics movements within the said two centuries were simply unthinkable. This will be yet another useful resource in the assessment of how far we have come in as far as eugenics is concerned. The article will further serve as a predictive piece with regard to what we are to expect going forward. For instance, what are the chances of eugenics becoming a key agenda item in matters revolving around public policy?