Re: Tough Questions for Atheists #1 - Eugenics

This is my first ever video posted to the You-Tub, in response to King Theist's Tough Question for Atheists #1.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• theism
• atheism
• genetics
• eugenics
• social
• responsibility

[sonofdazhbog]

You're attacking eugenics using a straw man argument. The creteria the Nazi used were wrong and we can't predict exactly qualities that will be beneficial for humankind in the future. But we CAN predict that some, like high intelligence, will be ALWAYS beneficial. Would you consider avoiding reproduction in individuals with very high risk of genetic disorder (like Huntington's chorea) evil? Just because a certain area of science create a moral dilemma it should not be immediately dismissed.

[StridentLobster]

I think it's more accurate to say I'm critiquing a particular form of eugenics, by the definitions you're using. The type of eugenics addressed in the video was, in fact, practiced at certain points in history, so I don't think I'm mischaracterizing it, even if I am being more specific than you'd prefer. Naturally, eliminating illness and fostering intelligence result in a net positive for humanity, but no one needs to suffer for that to happen.

[alperengenc]

your gay stupid fag

[StridentLobster]

NO U

Seriously, you're just making yourself look like an idiot.

[dglassic]

you want to ensure the survival of all people?

what if we were overpopulated with lack of food, are you going to give your abunance of food the the poor africans?

[StridentLobster]

Actually, I already do, in a sense. I contribute to charities, and voluntarily limit my consumption to far below that of the average North American. Not only is that better for me, physically, I also save money, reduce my carbon footprint, and preserve a miniscule portion of earth's dwindling resources. I live by the old Scandinavian axiom; "Enough is as good as a feast," and I think we'd all be better off if more people did the same.

[naannyms]

Nietzsche's sister Elisabeth was responsible for the misuse of his philosophy, as he was institutionalised the last ten years of his life and not in a position to dictate his legacy. Elisabeth was a Nazi; her brother was not.

[Thunderf00t]

Bold, insightful and eloquent!

[nightvidcole]

Anyone asking this doesn't understand that one can believe in the evolution of morality without believing in the morality of evolution. There is a difference, just as there is a difference between laughing about dreams and dreaming about laughter...

[EldonGuyre]

Wow great video. I came to the same conclusions before I actually watched it all but you said it perfectly.

[EldonGuyre]

I am an atheist. In my opinion Eugenics should not be practiced (at least not in a major way) because it decreases the variation in the gene pool.

[mrzwetzel]

Good response. I was wondering if you can ever imagine a society where being handicapped would be beneficial?

[Ulfvaldr2012]

I know many people who say we are above animals (no I am not one of them). Just look at laws passed to eraticate animals for land, there is a group that use dogs to fish for sharks, and the list goes on, and, on, I would go as far to say most people think humans are above animals.

[Grak70]

Great response and great points.

[peacebwithu97]

This is common sense to me, but thanks for the reminder.

[blackacidlizzard]

Damn good.