Is Kindness Genetically Predetermined?
comfortableNight4463
August 25th, 2022
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Genetic Essentialism
Regarding our character, the view that genes shape who we are is known as genetic essentialism. Humans have an innate tendency to believe that other people have intrinsic natures, whether those intrinsic natures are believed to be genetically, socially, or spiritually constructed.
Genetic Determinism
The flip-side to this argument is genetic determinism. The main difference is that genetic essentialism states that genes shape a person’s intrinsic nature, while genetic determinism views genes as external factors outside of one’s control, shaping the behaviors of an otherwise morally good or neutral person.
Behavioral Genetics and Morality
The answer to whether kindness is genetically predetermined rests on the strength of your views on genetic determinism and essentialism or, in other words, the strength of your belief in free will. Our character is not entirely based on our genes, nor are we powerless to the influence of genes on our behavior, nor are we entirely free and uninfluenced by our genetic makeup. The answer is somewhere in the middle."
Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
What are your thoughts on genetic essentialism and determinism? How do you think they influence a person's behavior (kindness)?
*I agree with this article. I firmly believe a person's behavior is affected by both; genes and other factors. We are products of our environment AND our genes. I also do think that kindness can be a learned behavior which has to be developed.*
*I agree with this article. I firmly believe a person's behavior is affected by both; genes and other factors. We are products of our environment AND our genes. I also do think that kindness can be a learned behavior which has to be developed.*
#Kindness #Behavior #Genetics
Happy900
August 26th, 2022
@comfortableNight4463 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, with us.
I learn a lot from your posts.
Thanks for writing.
