Quote by Jonathan Sacks
In the post-enlightenment Europe of the 19th century the highest authority was no longer the Church. Instead it was science. Thus was born racial anti-Semitism, based on two disciplines regarded as science in their day - the 'scientific study of race' and the Social Darwinism of Herbert Spencer and Ernst Haeckel.
Summary
This quote highlights how, in 19th century Europe, the dominant authority shifted from the Church to science, leading to negative consequences such as racial anti-Semitism. During this time, the notions of the "scientific study of race" and Social Darwinism gained credibility as scientific disciplines. These ideas, propagated by scholars like Herbert Spencer and Ernst Haeckel, contributed to the development of racist ideologies and discrimination against certain racial and ethnic groups. By emphasizing the influence of science as a new authority, the quote explores how this shift in power structures influenced the negative attitudes towards different races during that period.
Topics
Science
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