What is the aim of eugenics as a social and political philosophy?

The aim of eugenics as a social and political philosophy is centered around the concept of improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding. This approach advocates for the enhancement of desirable heritable traits, often by encouraging reproduction among individuals deemed to have "good" genetic characteristics while discouraging or preventing those considered to have "bad" traits from reproducing. Eugenics historically sought to address issues such as genetic disorders and variations within populations by promoting the idea of a 'superior' genetic lineage.

This perspective links closely to the belief that certain traits, including intelligence, health, and even behavior, can be influenced by genetics, and therefore can be optimized through controlled reproduction practices. The controversial history of eugenics highlights ethical dilemmas surrounding the manipulation of population genetics and the implications for human rights, underscoring its controversial nature in both historical and contemporary discussions.

In contrast, the other choices do not represent the primary focus of eugenics. While free will in behavior emphasizes autonomy, studying inheritance patterns pertains more to genetics as a science rather than a philosophical drive for societal improvement. Similarly, analyzing environmental impacts on psychology relates to understanding how external factors influence behavior and mental processes, which is a different field entirely from the genetic focus intrinsic to