World History The Eugenics Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World History The Eugenics Debate - Essay Example This brief essay will attempt to examine: Miller's description of genetic inheritance in criminality, poverty and intelligence, considering if this is good reasoning; consider whether his strategies for limiting undesirable births is practical; look at the position of eugenics in economics and democracy; and calculate whether these elements combined make eugenics practical in a modern society. Considering the role of genes in criminality, poverty and intelligence in Miller's essay. Any policy which argues for the reintroduction of eugenics must base its arguments upon the genetic factors which influence behaviour. In his essay, Dr Miller argues that there is 'a strong genetic component' in both criminality and those who live below the poverty line. However, while he makes a small amount of room for the theory that environmental influences may also have a strong impact upon behaviour and intelligence. He chooses to point at adoption and twin studies to demonstrate that there is a strong link between genes and criminality, poverty and intelligence.