Are We Slaves to our Genes?

Genetic differences can influence differences in our human behaviours, but only occasionally undermine the reality of our free will.

Denis R. Alexander (Author)

9781108426336, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 October 2020

275 pages
16 x 23 x 2 cm, 0.53 kg

'… a useful book that brought me fresh insights into a fascinating topic.' Chris Willmott, Science and Christian Belief

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Bio-ethics [PSAD], Philosophy of science [PDA], Religion & science [HRAM3], Religious ethics [HRAM1], Philosophy of religion [HRAB]