Richard Lewontin explores the complexity of human variation and tackles the controversial question: Are our personalities and capabilities predetermined by our genes? Answering with a resounding "no," Human Diversity makes the case that biological differences are only a small part of what makes individuals unique - anyone, regardless of race, class, or sex, has the potential to develop virtually any identity within the spectrum of humanity.
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Review:
A growing number of aspects of human nature are proving to be genetically based, but it is important not to jump to the conclusion that everything about human nature is determined by genes. Richard Lewontin, eminent geneticist from Harvard and founding member of "Science for the People," has written an accessible and important book about the limits of genetic determinism, especially in defining putative differences between races. In technical terms, his basic argument is that the genetic differences between races are not significantly greater than the genetic differences between randomly selected humans within any race. The first edition in 1982, based largely on studies of protein polymorphisms, was prompted in large part by his concerns with the potential dangers of E.O. Wilson's encyclopedic, masterful (but now somewhat dated) Sociobiology, and this 1995 edition includes a considerable amount of more recent evidence from DNA analyses for Lewontin's argument. Recommended.
About the Author:
Richard Lewontin is Agassiz Professor of Zoology and Professor of Biology at Harvard University.
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- PublisherW H Freeman & Co
- Publication date1995
- ISBN 10 0716760134
- ISBN 13 9780716760139
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages179
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