Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Study Motor Skill Learning by Single-pellet Reaching Tasks in Mice
Published on: March 4, 2014
Shaping children through genetic and environmental means
Christopher Gyngell1,2, Tamara Kayali Browne3,4
1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia christopher.gyngell@mcri.edu.au.
Abstract:
In 'Parental Genetic Shaping and Parental Environmental Shaping', Anca Gheaus argues there is a normative difference between parents using genetic means to influence the development of their child, and parents using environmental means to achieve the same ends. Genetic shaping but not environmental shaping, it is claimed, introduces a negative asymmetry in the child-caregiver relationship. In this paper, we argue that Gheaus' argument fails as a critique of genetic shaping, and does not establish a moral difference between genetic and environmental shaping. Contrary to Gheaus' arguments in both 'Parental Genetic Shaping and Parental Environmental Shaping' and 'Parental Enhancement and Symmetry of Power in the Parent-Child Relationship', we also argue that even if genetic or prebirth shaping introduces further inequality in the parent-child relationship, this is not necessarily a bad thing, and it is not clear how a parent refraining from taking up the availability of such technology leaves the child better off.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Shaping in Operant Conditioning
The steps involved in shaping begin with reinforcing any response that resembles the desired behavior. For example, parents might praise a child for picking up one toy. As...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Gene-Environment Interactions
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Nature and Nurture
Heritability

