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.

01:12:02

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Episode guests

Robert Plomin

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Genetics and Human Identity

15min

Navigating the Complexities of Intelligence and Race

5min

Exploring Individual Differences and Genetic Influences in Psychology

2min

Understanding Heritability and Behavioral Genetics

5min

Genetics vs. Environment: Unraveling Heritability

25min

Genetics Unraveled: The Role of Epigenetics and Polygenic Traits

14min

Exploring the Genetic Spectrum of Human Differences

4min

Sam Harris speaks with Robert Plomin about the role that DNA plays in determining who we are. They discuss the birth of behavioral genetics, the taboo around studying the influence of genes on human psychology, controversies surrounding the topic of group differences, the first law of behavior genetics, heritability, nature and nurture, the mystery of non-shared environment, the way genes help determine a person's environment, epigenetics, the genetics of complex traits, dimensions vs disorders, the prospect of a GATTACA-like dystopia and genetic castes, heritability and equality of opportunity, the implications of genetics for parenting and education, DNA as a fortune-telling device, and other topics.

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