Genes, Development, Behavior, and Learning: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

行为遗传学是一个概括性的术语，涵盖了旨在表明生物体的基因组成与其行为之间存在联系的研究。这种方法已经应用于各种各样的生物，从相对简单的蠕虫（秀丽隐杆线虫）到果蝇（果蝇），再到人类。涉及人类和更简单的动物模型系统的行为遗传学研究近年来加速发展。然而，这项研究的进展在概念和方法上都受到质疑，而且由于这项工作的社会影响，也被一些人视为有争议的。该项目将通过将分析哲学的工具和观点应用于行为遗传学科学文献中的论点和证据来阐明这些问题。将特别注意将“遗传”影响与“环境”影响分开的逻辑可能性，以及以令人信服的方式这样做所需的证据。PI还将研究从行为遗传学的各种理论角度提出的因果关系主张。、发展主义、互动主义、联系主义和古典主义观点)。该项目将产生一系列文章和一本书，面向包括科学家和哲学家、政策制定者和普通公众在内的各种受众。

Behavioral genetics is an umbrella term encompassing studies purporting to show a connection between the genetic make up of an organism and its behavior. Such approaches have been applied to a variety of organisms, ranging from the relatively simple worm (C. elegans), through the fruit fly (Drosophila) and up to humans. Behavioral genetics research, involving both humans and simpler animal model systems, has accelerated in recent years. Yet the advances of that research have been questioned on both conceptual and methodological grounds, and have also been viewed as contentious by some because of the social implications of the work. The project will illuminate such issues by applying the tools and perspectives of analytic philosophic to the arguments and evidence offered in the scientific literature of behavioral genetics. Special attention will be given to the logical possibility of disentangling `genetic` from `environmental` influences, and the evidence required to do so in a convincing manner. The PI will also examine the causal claims made from various theoretical perspectives within behavioral genetics(e.g., developmentalist, interactionist, connectionistic, and classical perspectives). The project will result in a series of articles and a book, written for a variety of audiences that include scientists and philosophers, policy makers, and the general public.