The depoliticization of Karl Lashley: A response to Dewsbury

J Hist Behav Sci. 2002 Summer;38(3):247-53; discussion 255-7. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.10061.

Abstract

In this response to Donald Dewsbury's article, I address Dewsbury's criticisms of my interpretation of Karl Lashley by, first, disputing Dewsbury's characterization of my historiographic stance. I then go on to address Dewsbury's specific points, particularly regarding Lashley's racism and hereditarianism, which I argue are central to an understanding of the context of his science. I conclude by criticizing Dewsbury's proposed personality theory of Lashley on the grounds that it depoliticizes Lashley by psychologizing him.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Comment
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / genetics
  • Prejudice
  • Psychology / history*
  • United States

Personal name as subject

  • Karl Spencer Lashley