Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance01:39

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

43.6K
In 1866, Gregor Mendel published the results of his pea plant breeding experiments, providing evidence for predictable patterns in the inheritance of physical characteristics. The significance of his findings was not immediately recognized. In fact, the existence of genes was unknown at the time. Mendel referred to hereditary units as “factors.”
43.6K
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

2.0K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
2.0K
Inheritance01:25

Inheritance

2.1K
Gregor Mendel's pioneering work on the principles of inheritance fundamentally transformed our understanding of how traits are transmitted from generation to generation. His experiments with pea plants laid the groundwork for the discovery of genes, discrete units within organisms that control heredity.
Each gene exists in pairs, and the combination of these genes from both parents forms an individual's genotype. This genotype is a blueprint of potential traits. Examples of genotype...
2.1K
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs01:23

Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs

1.5K
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
1.5K
The Behavioral Perspective on Personality01:19

The Behavioral Perspective on Personality

975
Behaviorists view personality as primarily shaped by environmental reinforcements and consequences. According to this perspective, behavior is influenced by external stimuli, and individuals adjust their actions based on rewards and punishments. Over time, learning histories — accumulated patterns of reinforcement — play a significant role in shaping personality. Behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are reinforced, while those resulting in negative outcomes are diminished.
975
Personal Choice and Fate Attributions01:19

Personal Choice and Fate Attributions

285
Some individuals interpret life events as a consequence of their personal choices and actions, while others believe that outcomes are dictated by fate or destiny. This divergence in perspective has been examined in psychological and cross-cultural studies, particularly in relation to religious faith and cultural beliefs about causality.Fate and Personal ResponsibilityPeople who emphasize personal responsibility view events as direct consequences of their decisions. For instance, breaking a leg...
285

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Racism: a central problem for the Human Genome Diversity Project.

Politics and the life sciences : the journal of the Association for Politics and the Life Sciences·2003
Same author

On the philosophical analysis of genetic essentialism. Commentary on: "The use of genetic test information in insurance: the argument from indistinguishability reconsidered".

Science and engineering ethics·2001
Same author

Reconsidering genetic antidiscrimination legislation.

The Journal of law, medicine & ethics : a journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics·2000
Same author

Mean genes and the biology of aggression: a critical review of recent animal and human research.

Journal of neurogenetics·1996
Same author

Genetic complexity in single gene diseases.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·1996
Same author

EEOC compliance manual for the ADA and genetic discrimination.

American journal of medical genetics·1996

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Screening for Functional Non-coding Genetic Variants Using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay EMSA and DNA-affinity Precipitation Assay DAPA
11:35

Screening for Functional Non-coding Genetic Variants Using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay EMSA and DNA-affinity Precipitation Assay DAPA

Published on: August 21, 2016

12.5K

Genes, free will, and criminal responsibility

J S Alper1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Center for Genetics and Public Policy, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 02125, USA.

Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|July 22, 1998
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Genetic explanations for human behavior do not diminish free will or responsibility. Both genetic and environmental factors influence behavior, offering symmetrical grounds for excuses in criminal defense.

More Related Videos

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
06:11

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats

Published on: February 20, 2019

6.8K
Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
09:29

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods

Published on: August 4, 2022

1.8K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 1, 2026

Screening for Functional Non-coding Genetic Variants Using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay EMSA and DNA-affinity Precipitation Assay DAPA
11:35

Screening for Functional Non-coding Genetic Variants Using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay EMSA and DNA-affinity Precipitation Assay DAPA

Published on: August 21, 2016

12.5K
A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
06:11

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats

Published on: February 20, 2019

6.8K
Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
09:29

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods

Published on: August 4, 2022

1.8K

Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Advances in human genetics suggest genetic mechanisms influence behavior.
  • Concerns exist that genetic explanations may reduce personal responsibility for actions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of genetic explanations on concepts of free will, determinism, and responsibility.
  • To analyze the relationship between genetic influences, environmental factors, and behavioral determinism.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of free will, determinism, and responsibility in light of genetic findings.
  • Comparative analysis of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
  • Examination of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

Main Results:

  • Genetic approaches offer minimal new insights into free will, determinism, or responsibility.
  • Human behavior, even when influenced by genes, remains unpredictable and not fully determined.
  • Genetic influences on behavior are not inherently more deterministic than environmental influences.

Conclusions:

  • A symmetry exists between genetic and environmental explanations for behavior.
  • Arguments for using genetic excuses in criminal defense are equally applicable to environmental excuses.
  • The genetic basis of behavior does not fundamentally alter our understanding of moral and legal responsibility.