Behavioral Genetics Project

Publications

Wrestling with Behavioral Genetics: Science, Ethics, and Public Conversation. This book brings together an interdisciplinary group of contributors—human geneticists, humanists, social scientists, lawyers, and journalists—to discuss the ethical and social implications of behavioral genetics research. The essays give readers the necessary tools to critically analyze the findings of behavioral geneticists, explore competing interpretations of the ethical and social implications of those findings, and engage in a productive public conversation about them. This volume provides an accessible introduction to a controversial science and the societal and individual implications of its continuing development. It is a product of a project on behavioral genetics conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The Hastings Center.

BEHAVIORAL GENETICS: An introduction to how genes and environments interact through development to shape differences in mood, personality, and intelligence This book is an introduction for non-scientists to the science of behavioral genetics and its broader ethical and social implications. Among the topics covered are how scientists explore the influence of genes and environment on behavior and how such research may challenge our understanding of human nature, personal responsibility, and equality. It is a product of a project on behavioral genetics conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The Hastings Center.

Each chapter begins with a fictional, yet plausible, vignette about an individual seeking answers to a question about behavior. The text then provides enough scientific background for the reader to address the question thoughtfully. A glossary indexed according to the chapters explains key words and concepts.

This book may be downloaded , printed and disseminated for education, research, and other non-commercial activities.

To request a single copy of the print version of the book or to inquire about ordering multiple copies, contact SFRL Staff at jlstaana@aaas.org. Please indicate "SFRL PUBLICATION" in subject line.

The price for multiple copies are as follows:

Domestic (US) orders: $10 (USD) per book [$8 plus $2 shipping/ handling]

International orders: $14 (USD) per book [$8 plus $6 shipping/ handling]

To order, please click here.

To download the book, click on each of the chapter headings for a pdf of that chapter.

Introduction

Chapter One: What Is Behavioral Genetics?

Chapter Two: How Do Genes Work Within Their Environments?

Chapter Three: How Do Environments Impinge Upon Genes?

Chapter Four: How Is Genetic Research On Behavior Conducted?

Chapter Five: How Do Mental Disorders Emerge From The Mix Of Genes And Environments?

Chapter Six: How Is The Ability To Control Impulses Affected By Genes And Environments?

Chapter Seven: How Is Intellect Molded By Genes And Environments?

Glossary/ Index

"Genetic Differences and Human Identities" is a special supplement in the January-February 2004 issue of the Hastings Center Report. It reviews the findings of the AAAS-The Hastings Center project that examined the science of behavioral genetics and the ethical issues raised by such research and its possible applications.