Maren Lorenz from the German Department of the University of Toronto is going to give a talk about French and German enlightened thinkers and their view on eugenics and a perfect society. Unlike the common notion of eugenics as a phenomenon of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, concepts of “human breeding” were developed in Western Europe since the middle of the 18th century. Based on case studies and tracts dealing with “medical police” and “medical hygiene”, scientific and economic experts discussed problems such as the hereditary transmission of disabilities and diseases, and the origins of so-called “degenerate” peoples in the scientific and enlightened journals. In the forefront of the French Revolution especially French and German physicians and bureaucrats developed concrete plans for a strictly state controlled marriage policy and “female stud farms” in the manner of livestock breeders to enhance not only the “quantity” but the “quality” of their countries’ population.

When? March 6, 2:30.

Where? Kaneff Tower 901.

For more information see Prof Lorenz’ homepage