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Indications and Implications of Behavioral Genetics

Does genetics have a hand in determining the behavior of humans and animals? The entire “nature versus nurture” question has been widely debated, leaving scientists polarized in their assertions of whether genetics or environment has a greater influence on actions. However, there are specific biological facts that are not under dispute. Certain actions are specific to certain species (ie, feeding habits of one species of bird versus another) and are witnessed generationally (ie, hounds have been used for hunting for centuries). Biology can directly impact behavior when altered (ie, personality differences in people suffering from head injuries) and can sometimes run in a family (ie, the propensity for inherited psychological problems).

But what does this mean for society as a whole? The implications of genetically-ascribed behavior leave one with more questions than answers. For example, if the so-called “gay gene” is the true determination of homosexuality as some suggest, how will that influence society’s tolerance of homosexuals? Will a diagnosis of genetic predisposition to violence equate to the release of a convicted criminal? If research matures to the point of near certainty, should everyone be obliged to be tested so as to prevent and correct deviance? At what point does science infringe on human rights, and when should the good of society override the good of the individual?

Web Resources On Indications and Implications of Behavioral Genetics

Implication of Behavioral Genetics
HGP: Behavioral Genetics

Book Resources On Indications and Implications of Behavioral Genetics

Behavioral Genetics in the Postgenomic Era by Robert Plomin (Editor)
Behavioral Genetics: The Clash of Culture and Biology by Ronald A. Carson (Editor), Mark A. Rothstein (Editor)

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