The controversy in the biology of the 20th century N. I. Vavílov y T. D. Lysenko

Abstract

A brief history and interpretation of one of the most important polemics in the XX Century Biology is presented: the Vavílov-Lysenko Controversy, in the then (1935-48) Soviet Union, and it is reflected how Lysenko was imposing his points of view, despite not having scientific support. The development of the discussions on Genetics in the USSR between 1936 and 1939 is described and the philosophical conceptions of both characters are analyzed and how this finally led to the infamous VASKHNIL Session of 1948. The consequences of this session on the Biology of the USSR are described. The aim of the work is to provide researchers with a tool to know and analyze interesting, sometimes dramatic, stages of the History of Science, in whose mirror they may be reflected.