Genetic Determinism and the Innate-Acquired Distinction in Medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Philosophy of Biology
• Genetics and Medicine

Background:

• Contemporary medical consensus incorporates genetic determinism.
• The innate-acquired distinction is currently debated in biology and philosophy.
• Understanding genetic influence is crucial for medical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the role of genetic determinism within the current interactionist medical consensus.
• To examine the presuppositions of the innate-acquired distinction in this consensus.
• To defend the pragmatic utility of the innate-acquired distinction in medicine.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of three dimensions of the interactionist consensus: kinds of causes, trait continuum, and norms of reaction.
• Review of critiques against the innate-acquired distinction in philosophy of biology.
• Presentation of epistemic, conceptual, and historical arguments for the distinction's defense.

Main Results:

• The interactionist consensus implicitly relies on the innate-acquired distinction.
• The distinction faces significant philosophical challenges.
• A pragmatic defense highlights its utility for understanding genetic determination and informing nature-nurture debates.

Conclusions:

• The innate-acquired distinction, when pragmatically interpreted, serves as a valuable epistemic tool in medicine.
• It helps differentiate genetic determination from fatalism.
• It supports a balanced approach in ongoing nature-nurture discussions, aiding prevention and treatment strategies.