Genetic determinism
Genetic determinism is the idea that
genes determine a physical or behavioural
phenotype. The term may be applied to the mapping of a single gene to a single phenotype or to the idea that all phenotypes are determined by genes. While the former is well established, the latter is generally rejected by biologists, and is poorly defined.
Evidence for the genetic influence on phenotypes comes from
hereditary diseases, for instance,
cystic fibrosis and
sickle cell anemia, which are caused by mutations in single genes, and
Down syndrome and
Klinefelter's syndrome by the abnormal duplication of a
chromosome. Though the
difference between the normal and disease phenotypes are caused by mutations in single genes, the actual development of both involves many interacting genetic and environmental factors.
Definitions of genetic determinism varies. It is often thought of as the hypothesis that all physical and behavioural phenotypes are determined solely by genes. This is sometimes attributed to biologists by the media or some in the social sciences, or attributed to proponents of
evolutionary psychology, though in this sense biologists (e.g. Dawkins 2003) would consider it a
straw man.
Other less strong definitions include the theory that behavioural traits in animals and humans are to some extent influenced by genetics.
One of the primary difficulties with respect to Genetics Determinism is the removal of culpability. With diseases such as Down Syndrome and Huntingtons there is a clear "one chromosone aberration one disease" or "one gene one disease" diagnosis. Behavioral traits are not that simple but increasingly people are blaming their genes for violent and anti-social behavior.
*
Biological determinism*
Environmental determinism*
Evolutionary psychology*
Free will*
Mind-body problem*
Nature versus nurture*
Social determinism*
Children of the revolution A Comedy about stalin's sun inescapable path into rebelion and eventually a revolution of any sort.
*
Dawkins, R., 2003. "The Myth of Genetic Determinism" in
A Devil's Chaplain. London, Phoenix ISBN 0753817500
Critics
*
Council for Responsible Genetics*
Greenspan, P.S. 1998. Free will and genetic determinism: locating the problem(s)*
Strohman, R.C. 2003. Genetic determinism as a failing paradigm in biology and medicine: Implications for Health and Wellness. Journal of Social Work Education*
A Christian response to genetic determinism*
General Term: Determinism
