Topic
Completion checkbox for the Discussion 1: Evolution, Genetics and Their Disastrous Consequences
The Sowers by Thomas Hart Benton (1942)
The Sowers by Thomas Hart Benton (1942)
Galton, Spencer and other 19th century thinkers believed that the new discoveries about evolution and genetics could be used in the service of social progress.
Over the following century, however, these ideas in the form of eugenics and “Social Darwinism” became associated with widespread human rights abuses and genocide during World War II.
Does this mean that the original ideas on which these perspectives were based were somehow flawed?
How else can we account for these disastrous consequences?
For ideas about this topic, you can start with the following links. Many others are available as well. Be sure to cite your sources.
Kara Rogers – Beyond Darwin: Eugenics, Social Darwinism, and the Social Theory of the Natural Selection of Humans
Please Note: Each discussion response must have a minimum of 125 words, spell checked, well written and citing references in support of arguments. Be sure to also respond to at least two classmates later in the week (making for a minimum of three posts total. More are encouraged)
DISCUSSION 2: COMMUNISM, SOCIALISM, FACISM, and DEMOCRACY
Discussion Topic
Completion checkbox for The Discussion 2: Communism, Socialism, Fascism, and Democracy
Anxiety by Edvard Munch (1894)
Anxiety by Edvard Munch (1894)
In this discussion, you will grapple with definitions of different political structures. Remember, you are only touching the surface when you get definitions. You have already learned in this course (Module 1) that the denotation of a concept is different from its connotation. Two web sites are immediately useful (see below). Please find others that inform your discussion.
Pose a question for the class about these different political systems that you think is informed, at least in part, by the material in this course. Make it reflective so it requires some integration of thought.
Defining Capitalism, Communism, Fascism, Socialism
The Principles of Communism by Frederick Engels, 1847
