eugenic
Meaning
relating to the study or practice of attempting to improve the human gene pool by encouraging reproduction among people with desired traits and discouraging it among those with undesired traits.
Structure
Usage
the early 20th century saw the rise of the eugenic movement, which advocated for policies based on flawed genetic theories.
many countries have since repudiated the discriminatory laws that were rooted in eugenic principles.
modern genetics focuses on individual health and counseling, sharply distinguishing itself from the coercive aims of eugenic ideology.
Etymology
the term eugenic is a modern scientific construct built from ancient greek components. it combines 'eu-', a prefix denoting goodness or well-being, with '-gen-', a root central to concepts of birth, origin, and race, and the adjectival suffix '-ic'. the word was coined in 1883 by sir francis galton, a cousin of charles darwin, who fused these classical elements to name his proposed science of improving human hereditary qualities. the literal logic of "good birth" directly underpins the modern, and now controversial, concept of selectively managing human reproduction to enhance desired genetic traits.
Analysis
eu: from greek, meaning "good, well". gen: from greek, meaning "birth, race, kind, origin". ic: from latin -icus, greek -ikos, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "of, pertaining to, or having the nature of".