R.A. Fisher and Eugenics: A Historical Overview

• Activity Number: 330 - R.A. Fisher and Eugenics
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 12, 2021 : 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
• Sponsor: History of Statistics Interest Group
• Author(s): Jana Lynn Asher*
• Companies: Slippery Rock University
• Keywords: eugenics; human rights; history of statistics; R.A. Fisher; Fisher; race

Abstract

Who were the eugenicists? Why were so many statisticians eugenicists? And what was Fisher's connection to eugenics? This talk explores the historical context that shaped R.A. Fisher's intellect and personality. It then takes a close look at the conflicts that helped shape R.A. Fisher's contributions to our field. Special attention is paid to his statements on race, especially as they pertain to the United Nations Document, The Race Question.