Genetic Reductionism--Its Sources and Implications

In the context of the Human Genome Project, this project will attempt to clarify reductionist claims respecting human physical and complex mental and behavioral traits. It will analyze the nature of genetic reductionism and provide a method for resolving controversies over claims of the reduction of traits. In a conceptual clarification of genetic reductionism, the investigator will distinguish genetic reductionism from physical reductionism and place these concepts within the context of causation and explanation theories and heredity-environment debates. Next, the project will trace the history of genetic reductionism in 20th century biology and attempt to judge the probability of success of the application of the theory of genetic reductionism to the Human Genome Project. This history of reductionism will be related to eugenics and a tentative list will be developed of cases where a claim of genetic reductionism is justified and cases where it is not. The purpose of this list will be to shed light on the more difficult and controversial cases of genetic reductionism, including complicated human psychological traits.