The Theories of Charles Darwin, the Concept of Eugenics - Term Paper Example

Introduction The concept of evolution is one that is not only based on the changes that a species makes over time. Different theories and concepts apply to the process of evolution as well as what allows different types of animals to change. The different applications of eugenics as well as the theories of Charles Darwin are two of the considerations that are associated specifically with the changes that are made in a species. When looking at the basic definitions and concepts of Darwinism and eugenics, it can be seen that they are directly related in basic terms and foundational definitions with the difference relying on the biological and scientific interpretations. Understanding how both of these are linked together also provides a thorough understanding of how different species have evolved as well as what the species will do to move forward with survival, evolution and changes in the species. More importantly, it shows how the external influences of different theories change the overall meaning, definition and influence on society. Background of Evolution The concept of eugenics as well as the theories of Charles Darwin first became prevalent in the 1800s and through World War II. Charles Darwin began the concept of evolution based on his belief in pangenesis, which was based on how organic substances would modify and change within a given environment. As these changed, they would be transmitted into different body fluids and would go into the next generation. Darwin then expanded the concept of evolution to not only include the concept of survival through an environment, but also was known for the evolutionary concept of survival of the fittest. This stated that those who were able to survive within a given environment were stronger than others and could easily adapt to different environments. As they adapted, there was the ability for them to pass on the new genes and other needs to future generations who would then be able to adapt within a given environment (Kevles, 1995). The concept of evolution, through Darwin’s main theories, then began to open into new ideals of how evolution was possible. Several scientists used the theories of Darwin as a foundation for their own experiments and the belief that evolution occurred because of scientific processes over time. The evolutionary biology then began to link into social evolution, policies and ideologies of evolution within a given environment and how this created different perspectives on evolution. The link to eugenics then came from the way in which many thought of evolution and how different types of species evolved. For most, the ability to think of evolution as a scientific process, as opposed to one that was morally or religious, was a large boundary and change within society. Biology, natural science and social sciences led to the studies of eugenics within society (Kaye, 1997). Defining Eugenics The beginning of the concept of eugenics was first coined in 1883 by Francis Galton and means well born. The main implication is that it is a science which means that there is biological improvement between generations. The definition that Galton placed on this was the belief that certain individuals had physically superior traits from their genetic code. These traits were seen with physical, mental and moral traits that would be inherited between generations. From this main belief, was the understanding that it was only through selective measures of human stock that superior individuals could be born. Monitoring the social and hereditary conditions of parents would then move toward a progression with future generations. From this concept, several movements began to emerge, specifically to define different genetic traits from various social groups, all which have led to studying genetic codes to find superior traits (Adams, 1990). The concept of eugenics didn’t become popularized until after World War II when there were strong fields of study in DNA and the question of how this was transferred from various lineages. During World War II, a precursor of eugenics was seen as a social movement, specifically with Hitler’s focus on the superior race and the desire to eliminate those who were not of the same genetic code. Ethnicity, immigrants and others of different backgrounds have integrated into the idea of eugenics, specifically because of the belief that each race should stay to its own and that some ethnicities are superior over others. The concept of social Darwinism is one that is prevalent in these ideals and is said to relate directly to the study of biological concepts in genetics and the understanding of how genetic codes affect individuals of different backgrounds and races. The political and social agendas that began this then linked to the questioning of eugenics and the biological implications of genetically transferred traits and characteristics between various generations (Duster, 2003). Darwinism and Eugenics The association of hereditary traits and the movement into eugenics has led to evolutionary concepts from both Darwinism and eugenics. While eugenics is known as a social and political movement, the essential concepts and the way that it is associated with the survival of the fittest can be linked directly to the theories and assumptions of Charles Darwin. More specifically, there is a direct link with the question of evolution as well as how it affects different traits, characteristics and qualities of different types of individuals. The difference between the two comes from Darwin’s description and research based on biological concepts while eugenics moves into the social realms of how traits and characteristics make a difference between individuals. It can be assumed that the foundation and basic theories of both Darwinism and eugenics holds the same ideologies while the different relies on the biological and social conditions that are associated with the definition of specific traits. The concept of hereditary is the main concept that can be applied to both Darwinism and eugenics. The ideology that different traits are passed between generations and that these have the strongest qualities of all individuals, while the rest are lost in past generations, is one that is agreed upon with both social scientists and with biological belief. The concept of inheritance is one that becomes a movement that is implied in all of the theories. The inheritance of biological traits, according to Darwin, is what creates the survival or the loss of different species. In eugenics, the idea of traits becomes reliant on social aspects that influence future generations. The qualities that different ethnicities, individuals and cultures have become the primary study with eugenics. When combining both of these, it can be seen that the question of inheritance and what is passed on to future generations is the main concept. This is combined with an understanding of what is passed onto different species in evolution as well as what is lost as humans’ progress socially or biologically (Degler, 1991). The close association of theories that rely on hereditary concepts, inheritance and evolution then leads into eugenics becoming the social Darwinism of evolution. Many consider the link between science and society to be the main implication of the eugenics studies. In more recent years, the eugenics study relate directly to finding the inheritance and traits within genetics. The link between biological issues and social progression has currently led many in evolution to believe that genetic traits are passed on between ethnic mixtures through inheritance. Studying this and creating an understanding of the biological links has then led into a different questioning of how and why individuals evolve. Specifically, the question of how individuals evolve socially, as well as whether this is survival of the fittest, becomes the main question. Genetics has now become one not only based on a biological influence, but also is directly linked to how biology and social concepts are linked together (Bowler, 1990). Differences in Darwinism and Eugenics Even though there are several similarities in the development of Darwinism and eugenics, many also question the relation between the two. The biological and social differences as well as the interpretations that have arisen since the inception of both concepts continue to be questioned by evolutionary scientists. The main differences that are associated with this come from interpretations of what eugenics means as well as social and political influences that continue to alter the definition and the studies of evolutionary scientists. It is only through the progression of different scientists, politicians and social leaders that Darwinism and eugenics remains separate. Without this interpretation, both are linked to each other through concepts of hereditary ideals, inheritance and evolutionary concepts. Many who look into eugenics don’t consider it a biological or evolutionary science theory. Instead, it has become one based on the socio – political influences, specifically coming from the ideologies of World War II and Hitler. Those interested in social reformation have used the idea of eugenics as one that is not based specifically on scientific thought, but instead has created an emergence of ideologies through creating a race or species that is superior. More importantly, those with political and social influence have become interested in the study of eugenics specifically because of the desire to control certain populations through ultra – conservatism or through liberal and socialist persuasion. It is the influence and interpretation of social and political leaders that has created the difference between Darwinism and eugenics (Freeden, 1979). The concept of Darwinism and the separation of eugenics further separated because of other social movements that were prevalent during the early 1900s. For instance, political movements such as Communism further developed the idea of eugenics with the belief that each individual had a specific capacity within their environment that led them to a specific social responsibility. It was this main concept that would be passed down between generations and which caused different positions of evolution. Instead of the concept of evolution remaining strictly biological and scientific, it became a proof for those that were interested in political evolution and changes within society. By placing different labels on specific people that held scientific proof, there was the ability to create ideals such as human inequality that was innate. The separation of ideologies of inheritance into considerations of eugenics as a social movement then became based around political agendas and social movements that supported ideals of scientific evolution in a specific manner (Paul, 1984). Conclusion The concept of evolution as a scientific possibility is one that is supported within biological considerations as seen through the works of Charles Darwin. This specific concept has led to several who have questioned the limitations and possibilities of evolution through ideals such as eugenics. The similarities between Darwinism and eugenics are based on the foundational concepts of evolution, inheritance and how individuals change between generations. The separation of these two theories only occurred because of social and political agendas while the basic definitions and terms remained the same with the only dividing line being between biological and social realms. From these particular theories of evolution, it can be seen that the foundation of what evolution is remains the same while the differences come from the ideologies and interpretations of other scientists and political leaders. Word count: 1986 References Adams, Mark. (1990). The Wellborn Science: Eugenics in Germany, France, Brazil, and Russia. New York: Oxford University Press. Bowler, Peter. (1990). “The Role of the History of Science in the Understanding of Social Darwinism and Eugenics.” Impact of Science on Society (40), (3). Degler, Carl. (1991). In Search of Human Nature: The Decline and Revival of Darwinism in American Social Thought. New York: Oxford University Press. Duster, Troy. (2003). Backdoor to Eugenics. New York: Routledge. Freeden, Michael. (1979). “Eugenics and Progressive Thought: a Study in Ideological Affinity.” The Historical Journal (22). Kaye, Howard. (1997). The Social Meaning of Modern Biology: from Social Darwinism to Sociobiology. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers. Kevles, Daniel. (1995). In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Use of Human Heredity. Boston: Harvard University Press. Paul, Diane. (1984). “Eugenics and the Left.” Journal of the History of Ideas (45), (4). Read More