The historical debate on genetic causality in the early 20th century involved William Bateson and Raphael Weldon. While Bateson championed Mendel's laws and the idea of a few genes explaining traits like personality and disease susceptibility, Weldon argued that genetics, although influential, were part of a more complex interplay with the environment in shaping these traits. This debate mirrors the classic nature versus nurture argument, with Bateson emphasizing nature and Weldon highlighting the importance of nurture. Weldon's position suggested a more nuanced understanding of genetic causality by acknowledging the significant role played by environmental factors in addition to genetics.
Guests:
- David Krakauer, President and William H. Miller Professor of Complex Systems at the Santa Fe Institute
- Sean Carroll, External Professor and Fractal Faculty at the Santa Fe Institute, Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University
Hosts: Abha Eli Phoboo & Chris Kempes
Producer: Katherine Moncure
Podcast theme music by: Mitch Mignano
Additional sound credits: Digifishmusic, Trundlefly, Greenvwbeetle, Miksmusic, Brewlabboffin
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More info:
SFI programs: Education
Complexity Explorer:
Books:
- Disputed Inheritance: The Battle over Mendel and the Future of Biology by Gregory Radick
- Quanta and Fields: The Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll
- Worlds Hidden in Plain Sight: The Evolving Idea of Complexity at the Santa Fe Institute, 1984-2019 Edited by David Krakauer
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