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Past Present Future

The History of Bad Ideas: Eugenics

Apr 25, 2024
Adam Rutherford, a geneticist and science broadcaster, discusses the controversial topic of eugenics throughout history. They cover its origins, biases in data interpretation, the evolution of genetics, and modern reproductive technologies. They explore the complexities of genetic traits, the link between genetics and sports, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding eugenics.
58:54
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Episode guests

Adam Rutherford

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Eugenics blends ancient selective breeding practices with modern scientific justifications, shaping authoritarian reproductive control.
  • Regional variations in eugenics implementations reflect distinct societal anxieties and historical contexts.

Deep dives

The Origins of Eugenics

Eugenics, a controversial idea, stems from ancient practices of selective breeding for desired traits, amplified by scientific underpinnings post-Darwinism. The late 19th century witnessed the scienceification of this old notion, aligning it with new ideologies and theories propounded by influential figures like Galton. Although eugenics predates its formalization in the 19th century, it marks a turning point in the authoritarian control over reproductive rights, blending science with societal and political overtones.

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