Genes, Genomes, and the Nature-Nurture Debate

Professor Evelyn Fox Keller

Genes, Genomes, and the Nature-Nurture Debate

Tuesday 13 November, 12:30-14:00, 203A Bethune College.

My concern is with the unreasonable persistence of the Nature/Nurture debate, and I argue that, in good part, that persistence derives from the fundamental uncertainty surrounding the subject of debate. What exactly is the question we are trying to answer?  What do we mean by “nature”?  And what effect does the changing discourse of genes and genomes have on this debate?

Evelyn Fox Keller received her Ph.D. in theoretical physics at Harvard University, worked for several years at the interface of physics and biology before turning to the history and philosophy of science. Professor Emerita of History and Philosophy of Science in the Program in Science, Technology and Society at MIT, she is the author of over 10 books (e.g., The Century of the Gene; and Making Sense of Life), and the recipient of many awards and honorary degrees.  Her latest book, The Mirage of a Space between Nature and Nurture, appeared in 2010.

For a poster of this event, click here.

For Dr. Keller’s paper on the topic, click here.

A poster of the full 2012-2013 Science & Technology Studies seminar series, can be seen by clicking here.

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