Genes and Human Behavior: Ethical Implications

Abstract This chapter charts six research studies that have generated interest in various aspects of human behavioral genetics beginning in the 20th century to the early 21st century. Most of these studies have several aspects in common, including overstated conclusions or speculations by the researchers and significant public coverage of them in the news media and sometimes even in popular entertainment. One study, in human population genetics, has been misrepresented by others to support white supremacist positions. In many cases, the studies have continued to influence public understanding and resultant social policies for several decades, long after the scientific community has rejected the science behind them or corrected its misrepresentations. We suggest that this history reflects a serious defect in the functioning of science and of the responsibility of scientists to correct long-held beliefs in the public arena via the continuing presentation to the public of incorrect ideas. We propose that while academic writings can contribute to dispelling incorrect ideas, efforts to solve these problems must involve greater interactions in the public arena.