April 11, NYC: The Search for Genetic Origins of Human Behavior; Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications
/The Search for Genetic Origins of Human Behavior: Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications
April 11, 2016 - 1:00 pm
Columbia University Medical Center
Please join us for our Annual Conference on Monday, April 11, 2016.
The Search for Genetic Origins of Human Behavior: Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications
The search for genes that influence human behavior raises important ethical, legal, and social issues. How will our attitudes change if we learn that people’s behavior is due, at least in part, to genes? Should genetic tests that predict tendencies to behave in certain ways be developed, and if so, how should they be used? If genetic contributions to gender identity are found, will that alter how we view sexuality and gender? What impact will identification of genes that contribute to criminal behavior, including violence, have on our views about personal responsibility? Should the legal system alter its approach to culpability for criminal actions and punishment? At this conference, ethical, legal, and social issues related to behavior genetics will be discussed in the context of two particularly timely topics: gender identity and violent behavior.
