Abstract Quote by Julian Huxley
“The popular and scientific views of "race" no longer coincide. The word "race," as applied scientifically to human groupings, has lost any sharpness of meaning. To-day it is hardly definable in scientific terms, except as an abstract concept which may, under certain conditions, very different from those now prevalent, have been realized approximately in the past and might, under certain other but equally different conditions, be realized in the distant future.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Evolution and Ethics by Julian Huxley, 1942
Scientific definitions of race have become vague, making the term unreliable for describing human groups.
In simple terms: Race lacks clear scientific meaning today.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of racial categorization.
Themes
science
human diversity
taxonomy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
genetics
social construct
evolutionary biology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the loss of a clear definition affect social policy?
- Can alternative frameworks replace race in biology?
A Different Perspective
Science may still use race as a heuristic despite its flaws.
