Troublesome Science: The Misuse of Genetics and Genomics in Understanding Race

All humans today belong to one single species, but many people still believe in the myth of biological races. Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall's book Troublesome Science critiques how scientific tools have been misused to uphold misguided racial categorizations. They argue that taxonomy, the scientific classification of organisms, provides an antidote to the myth of races biological basis and that modern genetic tools fail to find genuine differences within Homo sapiens. The book calls for researchers, journalists, and citizens to cast aside the belief that race has a biological meaning for social justice and sound science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

It is widely accepted that all humans, regardless of their location, belong to a single species. However, even those who profess to abhor racism often assume the existence of biological "races" among humans. In their book Troublesome Science, Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall offer a clear and compelling critique of how scientific tools have been misused to perpetuate misguided racial categorizations.

DeSalle and Tattersall argue that taxonomy, the scientific classification of organisms, serves as a counterargument to the myth of races' biological basis. They elucidate the scientific process employed by taxonomists to identify species, comprehend the relationships among different species, and analyze the variations within them. The authors also provide an in-depth exploration of the use of genetic data to trace human origins and examine the attempts made by scientists to recognize distinct populations within the Homo sapiens species.

Troublesome Science presents compelling evidence that modern genetic tools, when applied appropriately to study human diversity, fail to uncover genuine differences. While the diversity within our species is a genuine phenomenon, it renders any systematic attempt to categorize individuals into distinct units futile. The rigid boundaries that humans establish between their own groups and others are merely a blend of imagination and ideology.

Troublesome Science serves as a crucial reminder to researchers, journalists, and citizens that race does not possess a biological significance. By abandoning this belief, we can strive for social justice and promote sound scientific practices. It is time to challenge the prevailing narratives and embrace a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human diversity.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231185721