The Shockley Affair

The Shockley Affair involved William Shockley, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist and inventor of the transistor, who in the late 1950s made controversial comments about African Americans and intelligence, suggesting genetic inferiority. His views sparked significant backlash within the scientific community and society, leading to debates about race, ethics, and scientific responsibility. Many colleagues and organizations condemned his statements, which damaged his reputation. The controversy highlighted the importance of ethics in science and the potential societal impact of research and personal views on sensitive topics like race.