The Limits and Lies of Human Genetic Research
By Jonathan Kaplan
The book
counters the currently prevalent view that most important human traits
are
genetic in origin. We are bombarded by reports in both the popular
media and in
scientific journals which claim that everything from intelligence to
mental
illness to weight is genetic. And it becoming
increasingly difficult to tell the responsible research from the hype.
More
importantly, it is difficult to understand what implications, if any,
such
research has for thinking about social and political policies, or
indeed, about
how to conceive of ourselves.
The book analyzes the strengths and weaknesses the most prominent techniques used by human genetics researchers. These analyses are then applied to a series of case studies, including recent research into such controversial topics as the genetics of I..Q. differences, weight, sexual orientation, and depression. This book will be of interest to anyone wishing to understand what contemporary human genetic research can and cannot show about the causes of those differences between people.
Published by Routledge
Hardcover (ISBN 0415926378): $85.00
Paper (ISBN 0415926386): $22.99