<P> Eugenics (/ juːˈdʒɛnɪks /; from Greek εὐγενής eugenes' well - born' from εὖ eu,' good, well' and γένος genos,' race, stock, kin') is a set of beliefs and practices that aims at improving the genetic quality of a human population . The exact definition of eugenics has been a matter of debate since the term was coined by Francis Galton in 1883 . The concept predates this coinage, with Plato suggesting applying the principles of selective breeding to humans around 400 BCE . </P> <P> Frederick Osborn's 1937 journal article "Development of a Eugenic Philosophy" framed it as a social philosophy--that is, a philosophy with implications for social order . That definition is not universally accepted . Osborn advocated for higher rates of sexual reproduction among people with desired traits (positive eugenics), or reduced rates of sexual reproduction and sterilization of people with less - desired or undesired traits (negative eugenics). </P>

Branch of science dealing with improvement of human race