Problem
Discriminatory scientific language
Other Names:
Genetic labellingSimplistic biological value descriptions
Nature:
Scientific language, once brought to the public arena for common usage, is sometimes simplified for conceptual understanding. Hence, the application of the prefix "normal" and "abnormal" abound. Such value labelling is particularly prevalent in the dialogue of genetics. Current discussions of genetic predisposition and gene variants in the biological study of homosexuals and the mentally and physically handicapped often focus on such value assessments. Although genetic labelling of the "good" and the "bad" may assist public awareness of contemporary medical challenges, it may also perpetuate value assessments of the individuals facing such genetic predispositions. Categorizing human beings as normal or abnormal not only threatens the social and personal well-being of the individual, but threatens to perpetuate simplistic stereotypes and discrimination of those assessed a negative value judgement. Ultimately medical, social, legal and ethical issues may be influenced by such labelling. Broader Problems:
Dubious neutrality of scienceDiscriminatory use of language Related Problems:
Oversimplification Aggravates:
NormalismStereotypesHuman eugenicsStigmatized diseasesFear of the abnormalGenetic discriminationInadequate negative capability Reduced By:
PositivismAnti-science
Manipulative euphemisms
Lack of eugenic measures
Avoidance of negative feedback
Strategies:
Defining environmental healthDeepening biological value descriptionsReducing discriminatory scientific language Subject(s):
Biosciences → BiologyBiosciences → Genetics
Research, Standards → Signs and labels
Research, Standards → Nomenclature
Science → Science
Language → Languages
Value Redistribution → Value redistribution
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST