From Darwin to Hitler : Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany

Rating:
Summary: A must for anyone interested in Nazi Germany
Review: The subject of Nazi Germany still is a very popular topic for books, articles and public discussion. Having read many books and articles on this area of history, I can confidently conclude that this is one of the most important (and one of the best scholarly sources). In contrast to many authors who quote each other (and must rely on secondary sources printed in English), Weikart's work relies heavily on primary sources published in German during the time he is covering. Weikart is fluent in the language (I only studied it to pass my Ph.D. reading exams) and lived in Germany to do his research. As a result, Weikart includes much new material for scholars to mull over for the next century. He covers the basic question asked about this era, namely, why did Nazism start and grow in the most educated nation in the world and why did so many scientists (especially biologists of various types) and medical doctors firmly side with Nazism? Understanding why Nazism happened is critical to insure that it never happens again. This work focuses on the major influence of Darwinism, but also covers in a very balanced way other influences. Like a story, he develops a major point in each chapter, building onto the story and his conclusion. The 42 pages of notes fully document his conclusions. This book is a must for anyone interested in not only Nazi Germany but the whole question of the source of morality and ethics.

Rating:
Summary: From Darwin to Hitler
Review: This well documented scholarly book shows how (and why) naturalistic Darwinian thinkers in late 19th and early 20th century Germany and elsewhere used Darwinism to undermine the traditional notions of natural "inalienable rights", especially human individual rights. Simultaneously, these thinkers often exalted the Darwinian process of survival of the fittest to the highest arbiter of morality. Hitler and many Nazis enthusiastically embraced this new evolutionary ethic that negated traditional morality, and promoted what they thought would promote human evolution through any possible means. Weikarts's work carefully documents the conclusion that natural law advocates were often open about rejecting traditional Christian morality, especially the conclusion that the weak, the poor, the sick, and the lame were to be cared for and treated with respect. The new morality stressed that whatever "improves" the race is justified morally and this included not only euthanasia and abortion for certain groups, but even infanticide and genocide. The importance of elimination of what the government decided were the inferior races (Jews, Blacks, and others) and individuals, and at the same time promoting the superior races and individuals to reproduce, was at the heart of the Nazi program for the world. Even using polygamy for the "most valuable" males was encouraged by some leading thinkers. We all know the end result of the attempt to apply the latest scientific thinking (Darwinism) to government. And Weikart adequately documents the fact that the biologist and other scientists advocating these policies were not in the minority but dominated German science (and science in many advanced societies, especially biology). This is a story that needs retelling especially in view of the fact that Darwinism is increasingly being questioned by scientists themselves (at my university I am seeing more and more controversy in this area by biologists).