Brian explains one of the more subtle and seductive 'ideas' that has wormed its way into contemporary thought: Eugenics. He gives a quick background to its origins and to the common misunderstanding that eugenics, as a cultural value, was somehow eradicated through the defeat of Nazi Germany.
But before the 'deep dive' and interview with some folks from Iceland, where the gene pool has been 'cleansed of Down Syndrome', he examines the events in Ireland of May 25, 2018. Brian, who's a first generation American from Ireland, had explained in depth the significance of the Irish debate over abortion in earlier broadcasts (hear Podcast 56 and 57).
During his most recent journey to Ireland, his flight stopped in Iceland, and there he interviewed Icelandic citizens on the eugenic practice of testing for and eliminating individuals with Down Syndrome.
Eugenics is the practice of applying genetic manipulation to human beings. In practice, it usually (as in the case of Iceland) requires the 'culling' or removal of 'inferior' or unwanted progeny. And that is the question that must be examined, the question that lies at the heart of Western civilization: should human beings be treated as 'things' or is there something unique about the human person which requires of us a deeper examination?
Perhaps most importantly, Brian returns us to understanding the difference between science and 'scientism', the quasi-religious faith in science as a universal moral and ethical guide.
