REINPRETTY
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4. Eugenics
- the selection of desired heritable characteristics in order to improve future
generations, typically in reference to humans. The term eugenics was coined in
1883 by British explorer and natural scientist Francis Galton, who, influenced by
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, advocated a system that would allow
“the more suitable races or strains of blood a better chance of prevailing speedily
over the less suitable.” Social Darwinism, the popular theory in the late 19th
century that life for humans in society was ruled by “survival of the fittest,”
helped advance eugenics into serious scientific study in the early 1900s. By
World War I many scientific authorities and political leaders supported eugenics.
However, it ultimately failed as a science in the 1930s and ’40s, when the
assumptions of eugenicists became heavily criticized and the Nazis used eugenics
to support the extermination of entire races.
5. Vitro Fertilization
- IVF is a complicated set of treatments to assist with fertility, prevent genetic
issues, and help conceive a baby. During IVF, mature eggs from the ovaries are
collected and combined with sperm in a laboratory. The embryos that are created
are then put into the uterus. The whole IVF process takes about three weeks,
although it can take more time if the steps are broken up into smaller parts. IVF is
the most successful type of assisted reproductive technology. It can either involve
the use of the couple's own eggs and sperm, or eggs, sperm, or embryos from a
known or unknown donor. In certain circumstances, a gestational carrier who has
an embryo implanted in their uterus may also be utilized.
Insights
- By reading the "Lewis Wolpert's the Medawar Lecture," I initially assumed that
Science and Technology were synonymous; we use scientific knowledge to create
gadgets and tools that can solve problems and accomplish various tasks.
Nonetheless, I was mistaken. It is clarified that Science and Technology are not
the same. Unlike technology, sound scientific knowledge is impartial and has no
moral or ethical significance. Researchers are not responsible for the
technological applications of science; due to the unpredictable nature of science, it
is impossible to predict what discoveries will be made or how they may be
utilized. Aside from that, I've also encountered a lot of unfamiliar terms while
reading the Medawar Lecture which I've categorized as difficult terms or
concepts. I'm really intrigued and having the urge to find out what those terms
are.