[extropy-chat] DNA ?= Destiny

[Mark Walker]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Adrian Tymes"

> --- Mark Walker <mark at permanentend.org> wrote:
> > Not everyone is born with the right DNA to pursue
> > excellence in music,
> > knowledge, athletics, etc.
>
> >From where comes this belief, taken as fact?  From my
> own (admiteddly anecdotal) experiences, it seems that
> environment has more to do with potential than
> genetics in almost all cases.  (Barring biochemical
> defects that tend to leave one unable to function
> normally in society at all.)  Genes give probabilistic
> influences, not absolute barriers; a non-genius at
> birth might have a harder time earning a Ph.D., but
> with the right education and training (much of which
> can be self-obtained and self-directed these days,
> thanks to the Web), anything that is humanly possible,
> is possible for a human.
> _

For the contrary opinion see:

Plomin R., et al. Behavioral Genetics, 4th edition. New York, Freeman, 2001.

Molecular Genetics and the Human Personality, edited by J. Benjamin et al.
2002 American Pscychriatic Publishing, 293-314.

Cheers,

Mark

Mark Walker, PhD
Research Associate, Philosophy, Trinity College
University of Toronto
Room 214  Gerald Larkin Building
15 Devonshire Place
Toronto
M5S 1H8
www.permanentend.org