Ethics Research

My groups ethics research centered around the topic of Eugenic Sterilization. Eugenic Sterilization was a practice that happened in the early 20th century. The practice consisted of sterlizing "inadequate" (persons with mental retardation etc.) human beings from reproducing. The reasoning behind this process of sterilization was to "rid society" of "incapable" human offspring. Our group viewed these actions and practice as an ethical dilemma. The angle that our group took on this assignment was to breakdown a previous lawsuit between a so called "lesser" citizen and the superintendent of the State Colony of epileptics and feeble minded. This case took place in the state of Virginia and then made its way to the Supreme Court.

Justice Holmes of the supreme court is our target in this assignment as he used dehumanizing language to describe Carrie Buck. He declared that Carrie Buck was a feeble minded person and the daughter of a feeble minded mother.

In enjoyed this assignment because it gave me the opportunity to learn something about history that I did not know already. I hope that our presentation on this subject goes well in class on monday. Overall I enjoyed this assignment.