Was Hitler a Darwinian? - Disputed Questions in the History of Evolutionary Theory

According to the standard interpretation, the principle of survival of the fittest has rendered human behavior, ultimately selfish. Few doubt that Darwinian theory, especially as construed by the master's German disciple, Ernst Haeckel, inspired Hitler and led to Nazi atrocities. The author argues that this orthodox view is wrongheaded.

About the author

Robert J. Richards is the Morris Fishbein Distinguished Service Professor of the History of Science and Medicine; professor in the Departments of History, Philosophy, and Psychology and in the Committee on Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science; and director of the Fishbein Center for the History of Science and Medicine, all at the University of Chicago. He is the author of numerous books, including, most recently, "The Tragic Sense of Life," also published by the University of Chicago Press. He lives in Chicago."
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Summary

According to the standard interpretation, the principle of survival of the fittest has rendered human behavior, ultimately selfish. Few doubt that Darwinian theory, especially as construed by the master's German disciple, Ernst Haeckel, inspired Hitler and led to Nazi atrocities. The author argues that this orthodox view is wrongheaded.

Product details

• Authors: Robert J Richards, Robert J. Richards, Richards Robert J.
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 08.11.2013
• EAN: 9780226058931
• ISBN: 978-0-226-05893-1
• No. of pages: 280
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Evolution, SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Evolution, History of Science