Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People
The Misuse and Abuse of Science in Political Discourse
By Richard J. Perry | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
About the book
Misunderstood—or deliberately twisted—biological science leads to overheated rhetoric and bad policy.
We like to think that science always illuminates. But the disturbing persistence of the concept of biological determinism—the false idea that human behavior is genetically fixed or inherently programmed and therefore is not susceptible to rapid change—shows that scientific research and concepts can be distorted to advance an inhumane and sometimes deadly political agenda. It was biological determinism that formed the basis of the theory of eugenics, which in turn led to the forced sterilization of \"misfits\" and the creation of Nazi death camps.
In Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People, anthropologist Richard J. Perry delivers a scathing critique of determinism. Exploring the historical context and enduring popularity of the movement over the past century and a half, he debunks the facile and the reductionist thinking of so many popularizers of biological determinism while considering why biological explanations have resonated in ways that serve to justify deeply conservative points of view.
Moving through time, from the prevalence of overt racism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to \"human nature\" arguments, from the rise of sociobiology in the 1970s to the current fixation on evolutionary psychology, the book argues that both history and cross-cultural studies amply demonstrate the human capacity for growth and self-determination. Clearly written, conversational, and rationally argued, this book promotes sound and careful research while skewering the bogus ideological assertions that have been used to justify colonialism, slavery, gender discrimination, neoliberal economic policies, and the general status quo.
Editions of Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781421417516
- EBook
- ISBN 9781421417523
Read an Excerpt
Misunderstood—or deliberately twisted—biological science leads to overheated rhetoric and bad policy.
We like to think that science always illuminates. But the disturbing persistence of the concept of biological determinism—the false idea that human behavior is genetically fixed or inherently programmed and therefore is not susceptible to rapid change—shows that scientific research and concepts can be distorted to advance an inhumane and sometimes deadly political agenda. It was biological determinism that formed the basis of the theory of eugenics, which in turn led to the forced sterilization of \"misfits\" and the creation of Nazi death camps.
In Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People, anthropologist Richard J. Perry delivers a scathing critique of determinism. Exploring the historical context and enduring popularity of the movement over the past century and a half, he debunks the facile and the reductionist thinking of so many popularizers of biological determinism while considering why biological explanations have resonated in ways that serve to justify deeply conservative points of view.
Moving through time, from the prevalence of overt racism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to \"human nature\" arguments, from the rise of sociobiology in the 1970s to the current fixation on evolutionary psychology, the book argues that both history and cross-cultural studies amply demonstrate the human capacity for growth and self-determination. Clearly written, conversational, and rationally argued, this book promotes sound and careful research while skewering the bogus ideological assertions that have been used to justify colonialism, slavery, gender discrimination, neoliberal economic policies, and the general status quo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People about?
Misunderstood—or deliberately twisted—biological science leads to overheated rhetoric and bad policy.
We like to think that science always illuminates. But the disturbing persistence of the concept of biological determinism—the false idea that human behavior is genetically fixed or inherently programmed and therefore is not susceptible to rapid change—shows that scientific research and concepts can be distorted to advance an inhumane and sometimes deadly political agenda. It was biological determinism that formed the basis of the theory of eugenics, which in turn led to the forced sterilization of \"misfits\" and the creation of Nazi death camps.
In Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People, anthropologist Richard J. Perry delivers a scathing critique of determinism. Exploring the historical context and enduring popularity of the movement over the past century and a half, he debunks the facile and the reductionist thinking of so many popularizers of biological determinism while considering why biological explanations have resonated in ways that serve to justify deeply conservative points of view.
Moving through time, from the prevalence of overt racism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to \"human nature\" arguments, from the rise of sociobiology in the 1970s to the current fixation on evolutionary psychology, the book argues that both history and cross-cultural studies amply demonstrate the human capacity for growth and self-determination. Clearly written, conversational, and rationally argued, this book promotes sound and careful research while skewering the bogus ideological assertions that have been used to justify colonialism, slavery, gender discrimination, neoliberal economic policies, and the general status quo.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political control and freedoms
Where can I read a sample of Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781421417516
How long is Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People and how many pages does it have?
Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People has 232 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People?
Richard J. Perry
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781421417516) and ebook(ISBN 9781421417523)
Where can I buy Killer Apes, Naked Apes, and Just Plain Nasty People online or support local independent bookshops?
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