Final answer:
Francis Galton coined the term 'eugenics' in 1883, referring to a pseudoscientific practice aimed at improving the human population through selective breeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coined by Francis Galton in 1883, the term "eugenics" encapsulates the pseudoscientific belief in enhancing human genetic traits through selective breeding. This concept, associated with harmful and discriminatory practices, has a dark history marked by human rights abuses. During the early 20th century, misguided eugenic principles influenced social and political landscapes, contributing to policies such as immigration restrictions and sterilization laws.
These practices were founded on flawed scientific reasoning and fueled discriminatory ideologies. Today, eugenics is widely rejected as both unethical and scientifically unsound. Its historical impact still resonates in contemporary discussions about genetics, race, and society, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations and a commitment to social justice in the exploration and application of genetic knowledge.