Fortune-telling by genes
DNA Astrology instead of free will: How Behavioral genetics is changing the world
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
Genetics will have decades of development before scientists learn how to predict a child's IQ or the strength of a marriage using DNA. However, even today startups are selling dubious genetic tests, and lawyers are seeking the acquittal of murderers, focusing on bad heredity.
Scientists and philosophers do not stop arguing about what makes a greater contribution to the human personality – heredity or upbringing. Recently, the scales have been leaning towards genetics. And this shift is felt in many areas of life – from business to law. And at the same time, there are growing concerns about excessive optimism in the interpretation of heredity.
Attempts to link human and animal behavior to the characteristics of their DNA are known as behavioral genetics. They became especially productive after the complete decoding of the human genome in 2003. However, scientists quickly realized that only a few traits can be associated with a single gene – most often even large sets of genes are responsible for simple characteristics.
To truly understand how personality and character traits are inherited, we have to compare entire genomes and take into account the influence of the environment.
As Medical Futurist notes, behavioral genetics is a very young science, and its conclusions are far from final. However, researchers regularly report that they have discovered new genes responsible for features such as alcoholism or homosexuality. The consequences of such discoveries can be different. For example, knowledge about the genetic foundations of homosexuality will give the LGBT community additional arguments to protect their own identity and put an end to attempts to "treat" gays and lesbians.
New research may shed light on traditional relationships as well. A group of scientists has discovered that the key factor determining the strength of marriage may be the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). According to their analysis, men with a mutation in this gene are more likely than others to be dissatisfied with relationships and less likely to have long unions.
However, the boom in behavioral genetics has less pleasant consequences.
For example, numerous startups have appeared that use DNA analysis to find the optimal partner or predict a child's academic success. Their basis is not much more scientific than that of astrology.
The latest discoveries in the field of genetics can also complicate the work of lawyers. Even today, murderers receive lenient sentences from juries if the analysis confirms their genetic predisposition to violence. For example, in one case, the accused escaped the death penalty because there was an unusual variant of the monoamine oxidase A gene associated with impulsive aggression in his genome. The lawyer insisted that his client was motivated to murder by heredity and mistreatment in childhood.
From a philosophical point of view, behavioral genetics has even more confusing consequences. Can we talk about free will if our actions are really controlled by genes? It is difficult to imagine the consequences of spreading the idea that free will does not exist.
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