-- Posted by The Good Boy at 3:50 am on May 10, 2008 In so many ways, it's true. Would you agree with this assessment? Will we one day, be able modify our DNA for our very own freedom? -- Posted by Pardon my French at 3:51 am on May 10, 2008 go read the rama series by arthur c clarke and see -- Posted by Moridin at 4:26 am on May 10, 2008 Biological determinism is incorrect. As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! -- Posted by The Good Boy at 4:44 am on May 10, 2008 Quote: from Moridin at 4:26 am on May 10, 2008 Biological determinism is incorrect. As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! I don't agree, -- Posted by Moridin at 5:19 am on May 10, 2008 Quote: from The Good Boy at 2:44 pm on May 10, 2008 Quote: from Moridin at 4:26 am on May 10, 2008 Biological determinism is incorrect.    As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post!    As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post!    As a certified LiveWire Intellectual you are indubitably capable of composing a more verbose post! I don't agree, We do not have enough genes for biological determinism to be true. -- Posted by Jaxie at 4:51 pm on May 10, 2008 While genetics do play some part, I think that where one grows up and those around them also highly influence them, though the exact correlation between the two I wouldn't really be able to provide. Honestly, I think for people to hold themselves to thinking that genetics restrain them to something and can't reach certain potentials keeps them from trying and achieving exactly what they're capable of. Additionally, if people could "pick their genes" I think it'd only create more problems, if not the same ones; those with the most money would buy the best genes, or best scientists to do so, while those with less would be unable to gain access to the same crafted potential. Furthermore, there could be a lot of mistakes, there would most likely be discrimination based on genes, and nearly everyone would want a child who is the genetic jackpot. This would only spark competition in obtaining better and better genes, and unless genes are taken from a general group (where appearances and all other aspects would not match those of the parents), there would be limitations based on the genes of the parent. Also, "talents" would be a thing of the past, no one more special than another unless slightly better in certain fields. Furthermore, children might be held to higher standards, at which point might be valued for what made them than who they were, and might be pushed further than they could or wish, too, having their childhood stolen from them. There's also a moral aspect... -- Posted by medjai at 7:47 pm on May 10, 2008 Genetics determine whether or not you have any chance whatsoever to make something of yourself, yes, they do not do the doing though, you should read on the new studies of identical twins. -- Posted by Jaxie at 8:56 pm on May 10, 2008 Yes, they have some say, but to say that the limit is so definite that nothing can be made of such a skill... Essentially, much progress can be made just through trying, not merely natural talent. So yes, genetics have a strong bearing, but they can't be weighed more than they're worth. -- Posted by Elm at 3:20 pm on May 14, 2008 No.  Nature is but facet of a complex system. Genetics may place certain limits on us in various areas but seldom is the person who actually is motivated enough to encounter those limits. -- Posted by Bacon at 11:29 pm on May 15, 2008 Soon genetic manipulation will come into the mainstream. Then we will be truly, physically free. -- Posted by GoloSLB at 10:53 pm on May 16, 2008 well...until then there is plastic surgery if you really want it... -- Posted by medjai at 12:59 pm on May 17, 2008 Quote: from Bacon at 11:29 pm on May 15, 2008 Soon genetic manipulation will come into the mainstream. Then we will be truly, physically free. If you're rich. -- Posted by bourney at 3:42 pm on May 17, 2008 Quote: from Bacon at 7:29 am on May 16, 2008 Soon genetic manipulation will come into the mainstream. Then we will be truly, physically free. Theoretically we will never be free. Mutations will always take place, no matter how much we decrease the probability of them happening. Genetically engineered or not, mutations would still create a very different being to what the engineered genes predicted. -- Posted by medjai at 11:24 am on May 18, 2008 Then again if you master gene manipulation you can silence gene expression where genetic mutation is present, allowing your genetic child to be exactly what you want him to be. In other words, bourney, while you can't eliminate the occurrence of genetic mutation, you can definitely eliminate the expression (and therefore relevance) of said mutations, technology allowing. -- Posted by Behringer at 3:56 am on May 20, 2008 There's also the age-old nature vs. nurture aspect to consider. If you look into a few of the experiments done with regards to that, I've found there to be some interesting findings. Although no real conclusion to the thesis. Yes, genetics determine the physical portions of us, and in many ways the mental capabilities. At least from what I have learned in my classes. Genetic determination and manipulation will unfortunately become somewhat "mainstream" one day. However other than it will only be accessible to the rich (maybe there's someone out there with their nose that sticks up even higher *gasps*). I believe this manipulation if it were to be accessible to the general public would cause the populous to lose the diversity it has now, and probably end up morphing the human body into an almost "new" species. If you have read the Time Machine among other sci-fis you'll get where I'm coming from.