Are We Slaves to our Genes?

Alexander, Denis R.

Cambridge University Press（2020/10発売）

• 製本 Hardcover:ハードカバー版／ページ数 252 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9781108426336
• DDC分類 572.8

Full Description

There is a common misconception that our genomes - all unique, except for those in identical twins - have the upper hand in controlling our destiny. The latest genetic discoveries, however, do not support that view. Although genetic variation does influence differences in various human behaviours to a greater or lesser degree, most of the time this does not undermine our genuine free will. Genetic determinism comes into play only in various medical conditions, notably some psychiatric syndromes. Denis Alexander here demonstrates that we are not slaves to our genes. He shows how a predisposition to behave in certain ways is influenced at a molecular level by particular genes. Yet a far greater influence on our behaviours is our world-views that lie beyond science - and that have an impact on how we think the latest genetic discoveries should, or should not, be applied. Written in an engaging style, Alexander's book offers tools for understanding and assessing the latest genetic discoveries critically.

Contents

List of Figures; Preface; 1. Genetic Confusion; 2. Genetic Information and How It Flows; 3. Genes and Environments in Human Development; 4. What is Behavioural Genetics?; 5. Genes and Mental Health; 6. Genes, Education and Intelligence; 7. Genes, Personality and Personality Disorders; 8. Genes, Food, Exercise, Fat and Thin; 9. Genes, Religiosity and Political Commitment; 10. Gay Genes? Genetics and Sexual Orientation; 11. Are We Slaves to our Genes?; 12. Genes and Human Identity; Endnotes; Definitions of Technical Terms; Bibliography; Index.