Unraveling the Mystery of Human Behavior: The Interplay of Genes and Free Will

Authored by David Goldman, “Our Genes, Our Choices: How Genotype and Gene Interactions Affect Behavior, Second Edition” delves into the intricate dance between genetics and human behavior, exploring the concept of free will and its neural underpinnings. This comprehensive guide explains how a relatively small number of genes direct neurodevelopmental sequences, influencing our behavior and decision-making processes.

The Paradox of Free Will and Genetic Determinism

Do genes predetermine our behavior, or do we have the power to make choices? The answer, surprisingly, is a resounding “yes” to both questions. This paradox is resolved by the concept of neurogenetic individuality, a groundbreaking theory with far-reaching implications for our understanding of human behavior. David Goldman expertly weaves together judicial, political, medical, and ethical examples to illustrate the interplay between individual genotype, molecular and physiologic principles, randomness, and environmental exposures.

A Comprehensive Exploration of Genethics and Epigenetics

This authoritative yet accessible book provides practical descriptions of DNA function, discusses the scientific and historical bases of genethics, and introduces readers to the fascinating realm of epigenetics and the predictive power of behavioral genetics. The revised edition incorporates the latest advances in genomic technologies, including Genome-Wide Association studies, which have revealed the significant influence of hundreds of genes on psychiatric disease vulnerability and risk-taking behaviors.

New Insights into Free Will, Polygenic Scores, and Epigenetics

This updated edition focuses on the neurogenetic origins of free will, offering in-depth discussions on the use of polygenic scores for behavioral prediction. The expanded sections on epigenetics are now more comprehensively defined and linked to neuroplasticity and gene-environment interaction. Enhanced figures and illustrations throughout the book facilitate a deeper understanding of these complex concepts. Disease nosology and terminology have also been updated to reflect the latest research in the field.

Award-Winning and Authoritative

The first edition of “Our Genes, Our Choices” won the prestigious 2013 BMA Medical Book Award for Basic and Clinical Sciences, solidifying its position as a leading resource in the field. This revised edition builds upon that success, offering a nuanced exploration of the neurogenetic basis of human behavior and free will.

Key Features:

• Poses and resolves challenges to moral responsibility raised by modern genetics and neuroscience
• Analyzes the neurogenetic origins of human behavior and free will
• Features expanded sections on the neurogenetic basis of free will, polygenic risk scores, and epigenetic influence over behavior
• Includes improved figures and updated terminology

Publisher: Elsevier Science

Publication Date: September 4, 2023

Language: English

ISBN: 9780443221613, 9780443221620