Is Watson's view of genetics too deterministic?
Some critics argue my emphasis on genes is overly deterministic, suggesting we have little agency. But the data speaks for itself. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity; they dictate our basic biological makeup. To ignore this is to be sentimental. Understanding the genetic basis of traits—whether it's susceptibility to disease or even certain behaviors—is crucial. It’s not about preordained fate, but about understanding the powerful chemical instructions that shape us. Science demands a clear-eyed assessment of these material realities, even if they are uncomfortable. We must face the genetic truth, not shy away from it.
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