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.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
The University of Chicago Press
ISBN-13
9780226608419
eBay Product ID (ePID)
106534185
Product Key Features
Author
Ronald L. Numbers, Denis R. Alexander, Ronald L Numbers
Publication Name
Biology and Ideology from Descartes to Dawkins
Format
Paperback
Language
English
Subject
Science, Biology
Publication Year
2010
Type
Textbook
Number of Pages
448 Pages
Dimensions
Item Height
229mm
Item Width
157mm
Item Weight
686g
Additional Product Features
Title_Author
Ronald L Numbers, Ronald L. Numbers, Denis R. Alexander