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Do you tend to think everything is genetic??

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kicker
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19 Nov 2014, 11:34 pm

Norny wrote:
kicker wrote:
I have a question. Seriously help me understand this.

If behavior is strictly genetic and free will is an illusion where did anyone here pick up the genes for communicating online? There's no evolutionary benefit for it and certainly there hasn't been enough time to produce genes to determine who goes online and who doesn't.

Needless to say I don't believe genes control our behaviors, I do believe though that genes play a role in how we process and perceive our environment which plays a role in shaping our behaviors.


The genes don't control specific functions like that, if they did then we probably wouldn't be alive as we would have had to survive evolution long enough to develop genes that specifically adapted to every single predator, every single situation etc. Genes are very 'gene'ral in this regard.

We do 'choose' to communicate online, but the reason we choose to is because of the chemicals (as a result of genes) in our brain. One example is the neurotransmitter dopamine, the brain's pleasure chemical. The only real concerns of life are to seek pleasure and avoid pain/death (hence our evolution). Essentially everything can be drawn back to this fact. Even samurais that commit suicide after having disgraced themselves only do so because they so heavily value honour, and the reason being that they obtain pleasure from it.

The underlying decisions/mechanisms when choosing to communicate online are very much the same as choosing to have sex. It's enjoyable, because of chemicals.

I'm quite rusty on the subject but if you're interest I recommend that you read 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins, if you haven't already.


First, I'd hate to see your keyboard especially after comparing online to sex. Lol

Second now you are talking about conditioning which is influenced by a series of rewards and consequences and that certainly isn't genetics and another argument all together.



seaturtleisland
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19 Nov 2014, 11:41 pm

kraftiekortie wrote:
It's apparent that we have the ability to transcend and expand upon what was "given to us" genetically.

Kicker brings up an excellent point!

Let's all stop being such Genetic Calvinists!

We are not pre-destined for anything! We create our own fate!


But how do you decide which fate to create?



Norny
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20 Nov 2014, 12:57 am

kicker wrote:
1. First, I'd hate to see your keyboard especially after comparing online to sex. Lol

2. Second now you are talking about conditioning which is influenced by a series of rewards and consequences and that certainly isn't genetics and another argument all together.


1. They are different acts, but we perform them for very similar/identical reasons. We evolved to have orgasms is so that we would have sex. Dopamine etc. cause the pleasure. They are just not outwardly the same, much like a large gap in a bridge in contrast to a tiger. They are both threatening and cause a similar response.

2. You aren't conditioned to enjoy sex. Most humans have mating instincts but as a result of genetics. You become aroused and have sex. Conditioning is genetics in motion, because rewards and consequences only exist as a result of genetics. If you had no genes that allowed you to feel pain, you would not know of the consequences. We have a nervous system for that reason.

There isn't any definite proof that free will is largely an illusion, nor the opposite. For now, it is more philosophical rather than scientific. I currently lean towards an illusion due to what I have learned.

As for the nature VS nurture debate, that is a different context.


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kicker
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20 Nov 2014, 1:11 am

Norny wrote:
kicker wrote:
1. First, I'd hate to see your keyboard especially after comparing online to sex. Lol

2. Second now you are talking about conditioning which is influenced by a series of rewards and consequences and that certainly isn't genetics and another argument all together.


1. They are different acts, but we perform them for very similar/identical reasons. We evolved to have orgasms is so that we would have sex. Dopamine etc. cause the pleasure. They are just not outwardly the same, much like a large gap in a bridge in contrast to a tiger. They are both threatening and cause a similar response.

2. You aren't conditioned to enjoy sex. Most humans have mating instincts but as a result of genetics. You become aroused and have sex. Conditioning is genetics in motion, because rewards and consequences only exist as a result of genetics. If you had no genes that allowed you to feel pain, you would not know of the consequences. We have a nervous system for that reason.

There isn't any definite proof that free will is largely an illusion, nor the opposite. For now, it is more philosophical rather than scientific. I currently lean towards an illusion due to what I have learned.

As for the nature VS nurture debate, that is a different context.


Ok, have a nice evening. :)



Zajie
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20 Nov 2014, 4:20 am

I believe psychology and way of thinking and reacting to things come from genes I don't know about this modern stuff thing, can't compare much but I'm sure if my ancestors who were like me would like the modern things I do if they were born in the same era lol
Emotions are also genetic to me like which emotion is your strongest emotion, I think it comes from genes. That's from how I see



kraftiekortie
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20 Nov 2014, 10:16 am

The sex is genetic; the enjoyment of it is a combination of genetics and environment; the environment could, in many cases, play a paramount role in said enjoyment.



dianthus
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20 Nov 2014, 11:10 am

I think genetics and neurological wiring are kind of like the preset pattern in a garden hose nozzle. The water is always going to come out in that preset pattern, but the person chooses how much water pressure to use and where they aim the hose.



noodler
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20 Nov 2014, 6:10 pm

I also agree that nature and nurture both play a part. But I think nurture (environment) has the most profound effect on how we end up down the line. If you're born into a very caring and supportive family with adequete resources, you'll probably end up better off than if you're born into an abusive poverty stricken situation, which may entail child molestation or other deeply debilitating strikes against you. So, I believe the forces of environment ultimately tailor how you'll end up. But there are all of the genetic things with you right out of the womb that will shape you too.