How would the term eugenics relate to people with learning difficulties?

Answer 1

The concept of eugenics is to rid society of "undesirable" traits or conditions. It was quite popular in pre-WWII United States. In your example of individuals with learning difficulties, eugenics could be applied by the use of sterilization of those individuals so they do not have any offspring. This is of course using the theory that learning difficulties are all genetic, which is not true. Some are caused by in-vitro drug use, etc.

Nazi Germany took it a step further. "Social Darwinism" the Nazis called it using Darwin's "survival of the fittest" model, they began not only sterilizing but then systematically killing children with epilepsy, learning difficulties, blindness and so many other diseases and conditions. This was the precurser to the Holocaust.

In today's society eugenics applied to those with learning difficulties would mean either sterilization for those individuals, isolation (such as internment camps) or murder of those individuals in the name of the "greater good." Other modern devices of eugenics are prenatal testing and screening, genetic counseling, birth control, in vitro fertilization, and genetic engineering when possible.

I hope I could answer your question, if you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 2

Eugenics is a social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention. The purported goals have variously been to create healthier, more intelligent people, save society's resources, and lessen human suffering.

Answer 3

Some believe that the use of eugenics could reduce the number of cases of learning disabilities.

I personally believe that eugenics is immoral and unworkable.

Answer 4

Man cannot manipulate nature, when he tries it bites back.