Over the course of human history, the sciences, and biology in
particular, have often been manipulated to cause immense human
suffering. For example, biology has been used to justify eugenic
programs, forced sterilization, human experimentation, and death
camps--all in an attempt to support notions of racial superiority.
By investigating the past, the contributors to "Biology and
Ideology from Descartes to Dawkins" hope to better prepare us to
discern ideological abuse of science when it occurs in the
future.
Denis R. Alexander and Ronald L. Numbers bring together fourteen
experts to examine the varied ways science has been used and abused
for nonscientific purposes from the fifteenth century to the
present day. Featuring an essay on eugenics from Edward J. Larson
and an examination of the progress of evolution by Michael J. Ruse,
"Biology and Ideology" examines uses both benign and sinister,
ultimately reminding us that ideological extrapolation continues
today. An accessible survey, this collection will enlighten
historians of science, their students, practicing scientists, and
anyone interested in the relationship between science and
culture.
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