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Published on: December 30, 2015
In Defence of Behavioral Genetics
1https://ror.org/00rqy9422The University of Queensland, Australia.
Summary
This commentary defends behavioral genetics research against unwarranted opposition, arguing that deterministic theories of free will unfairly target the field. It emphasizes the importance of behavioral genetics for understanding human behavior and societal conventions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Philosophy of Free Will
- Ethics in Science
Background:
- A trilogy of papers by Damien Morris challenges the opposition to behavioral genetics.
- These papers argue that deterministic theories of free will are selectively applied to undermine behavioral genetic research.
- The commentary addresses the implications for moral and legal conventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a commentary on Damien Morris's trilogy of papers.
- To offer a broader defense of the field of behavioral genetics.
- To analyze the relationship between free will theories and opposition to behavioral genetics.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of arguments presented in the Morris papers.
- Review of existing literature on behavioral genetics and free will.
- Ethical and legal implications assessment.
Main Results:
- The commentary supports Morris's critique of selective opposition to behavioral genetics.
- It argues that behavioral genetics research is often misunderstood and unfairly criticized.
- The author provides a defense of the scientific and societal value of behavioral genetics.
Conclusions:
- Opposition to behavioral genetics research is often based on flawed reasoning regarding free will.
- Behavioral genetics is a valuable scientific field with important implications for understanding human behavior.
- Continued research and open discussion are crucial for advancing the field and its ethical application.
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