4 ms·
Just for reference the full quote is: > (6) Fisher, in a testimonial for von Verschuer after the war, supported von Verschuer’s “wish to benefit the German rac
by account-5 5y ago
Just for reference the full quote is:
> (6) Fisher, in a testimonial for von Verschuer after the war, supported von Verschuer’s “wish to benefit the German racial stock, especially by the elimination of manifest defectives, such as those deficient mentally”. The wording is unfortunately brief, but Fisher the professor of genetics is referring to the future “stock” and the ultimate elimination from the population of the genes that cause the defect, as is clear from his earlier writing on the subject. To eliminate the defectives themselves would constitute murder.
Context is important. Cherry picking specific sections to make a point contrary to what is actually being said has a name, but it escapes me.
- derbOac 5y agoI'm always disappointed in cherry picking. On the other hand, without knowing anything else about that extended piece, it looks like the author is whitewashing and trying to brush something unpleasant about Fisher under the rug. Genes aren't "deficient mentally" and it's hard to read that quote any other way than as advocating eugenics. Reading the extended text makes me wonder about the whole story, but doesn't really convince me Fisher wasn't in favor of eugenics and all that entails. I wouldn't say I'm skeptical, but it would take more than that.