Making Sense with Sam Harris #211 — The Nature of Human Nature
Jul 17, 2020
In this conversation, Robert Plomin, a leading behavioral genetics professor at King's College London, dives deep into the pivotal role of DNA in shaping human behavior. He tackles the sensitive nature vs. nurture debate, shedding light on the first law of behavioral genetics and heritability's impact on personality and intelligence. The discussion navigates the implications of genetics in education and parenting, alongside ethical concerns regarding group differences. Plomin also explores the prospects of a future influenced by genetic casting, leaving listeners pondering the intersection of science and society.
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First Law of Behavioral Genetics
- All psychological traits, from intelligence to mental illness, are heritable.
- This is the "first law of behavioral genetics," according to Robert Plomin.
Heritability Defined
- Heritability measures how much variation in a trait is due to genetic differences.
- It describes "what is" in a population, not "what could be."
Plomin's BMI
- Robert Plomin has a high polygenic score for body mass index.
- Despite this, he acknowledges that environmental factors like diet and self-control still play a role.
