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Quote by: ZNFYRH  CC,
So what's the line you're drawing, then?
You really haven't answered that question.
Brainwaves? Development of a brain? |
I think I understood his position by the analogy between personality and computer software. Consider:
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And look... Your personality might be affected by your genes, but your personality is located inside your brain, not your genes. Using a computer analogy, personality is the software, brain is the hardware.
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But there is the problem with separating genes from personality. Consider
this study on alcoholism:
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Within that region are genes that make proteins enabling GABA to signal to nerve cells and so do its work in the brain.
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The genes don't merely develop a brain and then stop their influence. The genetic influence is ongoing and integral to the brain function and resulting behaviors. CC says "personality is the software", but doesn't realize that genes include both the software that guides growth of the hardware and the software that runs on that hardware. If you were to swap out some genes that control proteins that effect behavior, then you are changing the personality. Likewise, if you put someone in a harsh environment, they could very well build character and take on new behavior, and thus a new personality.
But EVEN IF one believes personality = person, it would lead to bizarre conclusions. If there is change in personality, is it a different person? If you seek treatment for a behavioral problem and find success, should you be tried for murdering the 'old person' that previously inhabited your brain? Of course not!