Scholars exploring the history of science under the Nazis have generally concentrated on the Nazi destruction of science or the corruption of intellectual and liberal values. Racial Hygiene focuses on how scientists themselves participated in the construction of Nazi racial policy. Robert Proctor demonstrates that the common picture of a passive scientific community coerced into cooperation with the Nazis fails to grasp the reality of what actually happened--namely; that many of the political initiatives of the Nazis arose from within the scientific community; and that medical scientists actively designed and administered key elements of National Socialist policy. The book presents the most comprehensive account to date of German medical involvement in the sterilization and castration laws; the laws banning marriage between Jews and non-Jews; and the massive program to destroy "lives not worth living:' The study traces attempts on the part of doctors to conceive of the "Jewish problem" as a "medical problem;" and how medical journals openly discussed the need to find a "final solution" to Germany's Jewish and gypsy "problems." Proctor makes us aware that such thinking was not unique to Germany. The social Darwinism of the late nineteenth century in America and Europe gave rise to theories of racial hygiene that were embraced by enthusiasts of various nationalities in the hope of breeding a better; healthier; stronger race of people. Proctor also presents an account of the "organic" health movement that flourished under the Nazis; including campaigns to reduce smoking and drinking; and efforts to require bakeries to produce whole-grain bread. A separate chapter is devoted to the emergence of a resistance movement among doctors in the Association of Socialist Physicians. The book is based on a close analysis of contemporary documents; including German state archives and more than two hundred medical journals published during the period.Proctor has set out not merely to tell a story but also to urge reflection on what might be called the "political philosophy of science"--how movements that shape the policies of nations can also shape the structure and priorities of science. The broad implications of this book make it of consequence not only to historians; physicians; and people concerned with the history and philosophy of science; but also to those interested in science policy and medical ethics.
#1600597 in Books 2015-04-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x 1.00 x 6.40l; .0 #File Name: 0674598482352 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This book has the hard to find story of the priests.By Thomas M. MageeThis is a very interesting book. The book offers information few other books in print will offer. It is a must for those serious students about WWII and German culture. The book offers a very detailed look at the priests from Germany which serviced the Army during the war. The book offers a very good outline of their structure; motivation; and some of their exploits. There isn't a whole lot of inspiring stories which others would make movies out of like the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This is a big strategic picture of their contribution. The book does present a good case that showed how the Nazis were very much anti-Christian too. This resistance to the church; Catholic or Protestant became more apparent over time. The Nazis would do a lot of nickel and dime actions to try to stop the church in the army and society. It all started with little things like taking down the crosses to 'include" party emblems then putting caps on hiring new priests then actions against what they did and said.Afterwards there is a lot of talk about what if; and only if kind of statements. That is easily said nowadays; almost 80 years afterwards. At the time nationalism and fear of the communists motivated people more than the fear of the Nazis.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JudyVery interesting2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. WORLD WAR II HISTORYBy Cristiano FelicianoThe book is an excellent read and gives detailed information in historical events that help to understand the role of priest in the German Armed Forces during World War II.
