Full Version: Genes or Free Will?
America's Debate > Archive > Assorted Issues Archive > [A] Science and Technology > [A] Health and Medicine
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,...1296284,00.html
(for humor's sake, read the entire article. The author has his tongue firmly planted in his cheek by the last few paragraphs)
Question for debate: If scientists are right, and we have genetic reasons for doing certain things, what if there's a genetic place in the scheme of things for people with no capacity to feel guilt, for people who love to slaughter and mistreat other humans, for people who get satisfaction from running a dozen sweatshops full of child laborers to make more money for him/herself? Could their be genes that lead a person toward corporate misdeeds, a career in politics, or a career as a human rights activist? Could our DNA really go that far? In other words, was Mother Teresa Mother Teresa because she was genetically programmed to help others, and was Hitler Hitler because he was genetically programmed to kill and oppress?
If it does, do you really want to know what kind of person you're predisposed to be?
(for humor's sake, read the entire article. The author has his tongue firmly planted in his cheek by the last few paragraphs)
QUOTE
We have all heard of the selfish gene, but in extreme circumstances genes can be downright spiteful too, scientists have discovered. Researchers at Edinburgh University who studied the brutal behaviour of bacteria and insects say spiteful behaviour is not only justified at times but is hard-wired into our genes.
Question for debate: If scientists are right, and we have genetic reasons for doing certain things, what if there's a genetic place in the scheme of things for people with no capacity to feel guilt, for people who love to slaughter and mistreat other humans, for people who get satisfaction from running a dozen sweatshops full of child laborers to make more money for him/herself? Could their be genes that lead a person toward corporate misdeeds, a career in politics, or a career as a human rights activist? Could our DNA really go that far? In other words, was Mother Teresa Mother Teresa because she was genetically programmed to help others, and was Hitler Hitler because he was genetically programmed to kill and oppress?
If it does, do you really want to know what kind of person you're predisposed to be?
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Topic closed...</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Reason: Question to debate too vague or missing.<br /><br />Recommended action: If you started this topic, please contact the staff member who closed it by clicking the PM button below this post with a clear question to debate.<br /><br />Helpful links:<br />- Starting New Topics<br />- Survival Guide<br />- The Rules<br />- Staff Directory</td></tr><tr><td class='darkrow1'><div align='center'>Note: This is an automated response.</div></td></tr></table></div>
Topic closed...</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Reason: Question to debate too vague or missing.<br /><br />Recommended action: If you started this topic, please contact the staff member who closed it by clicking the PM button below this post with a clear question to debate.<br /><br />Helpful links:<br />- Starting New Topics<br />- Survival Guide<br />- The Rules<br />- Staff Directory</td></tr><tr><td class='darkrow1'><div align='center'>Note: This is an automated response.</div></td></tr></table></div>
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