Genetics and Reductionism

With the advent of the Human Genome Project there have been many claims for the genetic origins of complex human behavior including insanity, criminality, and intelligence. But what does it really mean to call something ‘genetic’? This is the fundamental question that Sahotra Sarkar’s book addresses. The author analyses the nature of reductionism in classical and molecular genetics. He shows that there are two radically different kinds of reductionist explanation: genetic reduction (as found in classical genetics) and physical reduction (found in molecular genetics). This important book clarifies the meaning of the term ‘genetic’, shows how molecular studies have affected genetics, and provides the philosophical background necessary to understand the debates over the Human Genome Project. It will be of particular interest to professionals and students in the philosophy of science, the history of science, and the social studies of science, medicine, and technology.

• Explains what it means to call something ‘genetic’ • Offers the philosophical background to understanding the Human Genome Project • Will interest both professionals and students concerned with the philosophy, history, and social study of science

Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Types of reduction: formal issues; 3. Types of reduction: substantive issues; 4. The obsession with heritability; 5. Reduction and classical genetics; 6. Reduction and molecular biology; 7. Concluding polemics; Notes; References; Index.