Epigenetics and genetic determinism

Genetic modification and genetic determinism

In this article we examine four objections to the genetic modification of human beings: the freedom argument, the giftedness argument, the authenticity argument, and the uniqueness argument. We then demonstrate that each of these arguments against genetic modification assumes a strong version of genetic determinism. Since these strong deterministic assumptions are false, the arguments against g...

Genetic determinism or genetic discrimination?

Digital versus analogue genetic determinism

Relating genotypes to phenotypes is problematic not only owing to the extreme complexity of the interactions between genes, proteins and high-level physiological functions but also because the paradigms for genetic causality in biological systems are seriously confused. This paper examines some of the misconceptions, starting with the changing definitions of a gene, from the cause of phenotype ...

Weight Stigma Reduction and Genetic Determinism

One major approach to weight stigma reduction consists of decreasing beliefs about the personal controllability of-and responsibility for-obesity by educating about its biogenetic causes. Evidence on the efficacy of this approach is mixed, and it remains unclear whether this would create a deterministic view, potentially leading to detrimental side-effects. Two independent studies from Germany ...

Epigenetics: The Second Genetic Code

Plant breeders utilize directed selection and transgenics to produce novel cultivars of diploid and polyploid species. DNA sequence is clearly important in these processes, but growing evidence implicates epigenetics as an important factor in controlling genetic variation and gene/transgene expression. In this article, we focus on epigenetic variation defined as mitotically and meiotically heri...