Science, Technology, and National Socialism

Description

This book provides a survey of the development of scientific disciplines and technical projects under National Socialism in Germany. Each contribution addresses a different, new aspect which is important for judging the interaction between science, technology and National Socialism. In particular, the personal conduct of individual scientists and engineers as well as the functionality of certain theories and projects are examined. All essays share a common theme: continuity and discontinuity. All authors cover a period from the Weimar Republic to the post-war period. This unanimity of approach provides answers to major questions about the nature of Hitler's regime and about possible lines of continuity in science and technology which may transcend political upheaval. The book is also the most comprehensive to date on this subject, and includes essays on engineering, geography, biology, psychology, physics, mathematics, and science policy.

"Overall the volume offers the best study available of the consequential interaction of science and technology with National Socialism in Germany." Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society "Here is a book that is timely and coherent. The editors are to be commended for bringing together chapters that speak to each other and explore similar questions. There is no doubt that these in part splendid essays will stimulate further discussion about what is modern about fascism." German Politics and Society "...Science, Technology and National Socialism is a particularly impressive collection of essays...the volume puts scientific mentalities and professional identities under the microscope." Roy Porter, TLS "This interesting and useful collection of sixteen essays covers a variety of technological projects and scientific developments during the National Socialist period in Germany...the book is well-researched and makes a valuable contribution to the history of science and technology under Nazism." J.D. Hunley, Technology and Culture "...totally absorbing..." The Guardian