Degeneration

This article deals with the social-philosophical meaning of degeneration. For other meanings associated with degeneration, please see degeneracy.

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The idea of degeneration had a huge influence or science, art and politics from the 1850s to the 1950s.

Related Topics:
Science - Art - Politics - 1850s - 1950s

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In the 1850s French doctor Bénédict Morel argued that certain groups of people were degenerating, going backwards in terms of evolution so each generation became weaker and weaker. This was based on pre-Darwinian ideas of evolution, especially those of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who argued that acquired characteristics (drug habits, perversions, etc.) could be inherited. This is not true, as a matter of genetics.

Related Topics:
French - Bénédict Morel - Evolution - Darwinian - Jean-Baptiste Lamarck - Perversion - Genetics

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A whole biological explanation for social problems was developed. Max Nordau's 1890s bestseller Degeneration attempted to explain all modern art, music and literature by pointing out the degenerate characteristics of the artists involved.

Related Topics:
Max Nordau - 1890s

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In the twentieth century the Nazis adopted the concept, using it to justify the sterilization and extermination of those who would otherwise corrupt future generations. They also used the concept in art, banning "degenerate" (entartete) art and music: see degenerate art.

Related Topics:
Nazi - Sterilization - Degenerate art

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For further information, see Daniel Pick's book Degeneration, or the work of Sander Gilman.

Related Topics:
Daniel Pick - Sander Gilman

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