Alfred Ploetz

Alfred Ploetz was a German biologist and anthropologist who lived from 1860 to 1940. He is known for founding eugenics, the idea of improving human genetics by encouraging reproduction among desirable traits and discouraging harmful ones. Ploetz promoted racial hygiene, believing some races were superior and others inferior, which contributed to discriminatory and racist policies in the early 20th century. His work aimed to "improve" humanity but has been widely condemned for its unethical implications and connection to harmful practices, including those used by the Nazi regime.