Ethical questions around the disclosure of genetic information to family members can contribute to the nature versus nurture debate. A transmitted mutation is given by nature, but it is in being informed of its existence that behaviour may change.
Although genetic information is inherently familial, to expect it to be distributed between all family members is [...]
“a man’s natural abilities are derived by inheritance, under exactly the same limitations as are the form and physical features of the whole organic world.” Francis Galton, Hereditary Genius, 1869.
The debate around the influence of nature versus nurture on behaviour has been researched for decades. Behavioural genetics experiments have ranged from twins and adoption studies [...]
This term, coined by Richard Dawkins expresses a gene-centred view of evolution. The contention is that the genes that get passed on are the ones whose consequences serve their own implicit interests (to continue being replicated), not necessarily those of the organism.
In Dawkins theory, we cannot view the act of conception as replication of the [...]
How is the desire to have a biological baby interpreted? Is it an indisputable biological urge or an act of selfishness?
“Wanting a child that is genetically one’s own is a desire deeply implanted in many of us by our religious, cultural, and ethical traditions. It is not per se an unworthy impulse to be dismissed [...]
When discussing societal moral codes and scrutiny of “blameworthy” reproductive behaviours, it is interesting to go back to Linda McClain’s work on American public policy and reproductive responsibility. Focusing on judgmental attitudes towards single, teenage or indigent parents, McClain criticises the ideological heaping of blame on individuals.
Can ideology be enforced on biological urges? There seem [...]
Introduction of genetic technologies resulted in the redefining of our conception of family. By prioritising biological rather than social relationships, geneticisation has led to the biologisation of kinship. (Finkler, 2005)
Emphasising our biological connectedness redefines our perceptions of the family structure. The social group which assembles the family has many grey areas generated by behaviours, the [...]