Sociobiology: Genetic determinism, heritability and reductionism

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?

Heritability and genetic advance in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

The present study was carried out to estimate genetic variability parameters for some traits such as pods per plant, cell membrane stability, one thousand kernel weight, flowering period, grain filling period, chlorophyll content, relative water content, leaf excised water content, seed per pod and pod length, in 16 winter rapeseed genotypes. Statistical analysis showed significant differences ...

Commentaryi'Mealey: The sociobiology of sociopathy Genetic issues in "the sociobiology of sociopathy"

A consideration of the genetics of sociopathy suggests the following. The author's Evolutionary Stable Strategy (ESS) types 2 to 4 are more likely than types 1 and 5 in crimes of violence, and there may not be an ESS for crimes of property or for sociopathy. Correlations between sociopathy and crimes of property are also more likely due to environmental than to genetic variants, and correlation...

Complexity in biology. Exceeding the limits of reductionism and determinism using complexity theory.

the ultimate aim of scientific research is to understand the natural world. in order to achieve this goal, Western science has relied on different cognitive strategies, including simplification, both in terms of analysis and explanation. as the British natural philosopher Sir isaac Newton (1643–1727) put it, “truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multi­ plicity and confusi...