In this work; Richard Weikart explains the revolutionary impact Darwinism had on ethics and morality. He demonstrates that many leading Darwinian biologists and social thinkers in Germany believed that Darwinism overturned traditional Judeo-Christian and Enlightenment ethics; especially the view that human life is sacred. Many of these thinkers supported moral relativism; yet simultaneously exalted evolutionary 'fitness' (especially intelligence and health) to the highest arbiter of morality. Darwinism played a key role in the rise not only of eugenics; but also euthanasia; infanticide; abortion and racial extermination. This was especially important in Germany; since Hitler built his view of ethics on Darwinian principles; not on nihilism.
#1423302 in Books Penguin 2007-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x .67 x 5.08l; .59 #File Name: 0140299815384 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an amazing gem of a bookBy Anushiya RamaswamyThis is an amazing gem of a book. Written in 1938 as Europe was trembling in the shadow of Fascism and the race-based policies of Hitler; James writes of a 1802 revolution against a major European power by blacks in Haiti. Trinidadian by birth; James is writing at a time when India and most of the world that had been colonized by Britain; France and Germany are still colonies (India won independence only in 1947; following the end of W.W.II). It is quite remarkable the Marxist analysis James brings to bear upon the ways slavery was maintained in Haiti; the effect of the French Revolution upon the island; the deep psychological hold it had on free blacks and bi-racials as they struggled with their respective nationalisms and colonial upbringing. Ought to be read alongside "The Wretched of the Earth." Indispensable for those interested in postcolonial studies.16 of 17 people found the following review helpful. A Masterpiece of Historic WritingBy TroubadourI enjoy reading history books; and it is always good to pick one up and read about the events that shaped mankind's developement.But every once in a long while; one comes across a history book that is so well written and engagin; that it becomes far more than just a book recounting past events; far more than just a book one learns from; and instead becomes an experience; a book to enjoy! This is such a rare book.I purchased it simply to have soemthing to teach me about Toussaint L'Ouverture and Haitian Independence; and instead got a book I could hardly put down.Besides the excellent writing; what makes this book especially wonderful and memorable to read; is that James doesn't just discuss the Haitian Revolt; but goes into details about the French Revolution; and its inner complexity and contradictions. He also touches often upon the more psychological dimensions of the struggle.Now; as others have pointed out; James' Marxism does tint his writing; but never to a degree as to give the impression that one is reading a dishonest or heavily biased account of events.One minor; or perhaps not so minor; limitation of the book is that it does not treat the successful post-L'Ouverture Haitian fight and independence with the same detail as the previous times. I suppose for that one needs to take a look at other books; but nevertheless aside form the final events; all the history is right here covered brilliantly and with great insight.Highly recommended; for anyone interested in Haitian history; as well as just good solid well-written non-fiction books.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Margarettelove it
