Santorum blames ‘abortion culture’ for Social Security woes

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Some is, some isn't. Sometimes there is a connection between the two, sometimes not. Noone here is qualified to say which applies with any certainty.

[mawilson 2,133]

I think you're discounting that a lot of this stuff is behavioural (i.e. learned behaviours) not genetic.

Well it's the classic "nature" vs "nurture" debate.

Many studies on identical twins separated at birth have shown that nature has a

*very* large impact in determining personality traits and the makeup of a person.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You can have genetic predispositions to certain behaviours, like addiction or violence. It doesn't mean you will actually do either

[mawilson 2,133]

You can have genetic predispositions to certain behaviours, like addiction or violence. It doesn't mean you will actually do either

Statistically speaking, you're more likely to do it.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You father might be an alcoholic. You might decide to be teetotal, for example.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

So, genetics provide the potential, the environment provides the stimulus.

[Peikko 1,575]

Who said anything about evolution? A genetic trait doesn't have to be evolutionarily advantageous to be genetic.

For example, having blue or brown eyes is not evolutionarily advantageous, yet it's still genetic.

Some people are ambitious and want to accomplish something with their lives beyond survivability and mere reproduction. Others have no drive to succeed above the bare minimum. Who are you to claim that there's no genetic component to what we call "ambition"?

Of course physical attributes are genetic regardless of what they contribute to the overall success of a species. What you seem to fail to grasp is that terms like 'ambition' are entirely subjective in nature. Try to give an empirical definition of ambition and you will fail because it's not tangible, it's an idea, a qualification, a description. Wishing to be more than a survivor, not merely a vehicle for reproduction is metaphysical not scientific and I thought you were a rationalist? Interesting.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Of course physical attributes are genetic regardless of what they contribute to the overall success of a species. What you seem to fail to grasp is that terms like 'ambition' are entirely subjective in nature. Try to give an empirical definition of ambition and you will fail because it's not tangible, it's an idea, a qualification, a description. Wishing to be more than a survivor, not merely a vehicle for reproduction is metaphysical not scientific and I thought you were a rationalist? Interesting.

More religious fanaticism?

[Peikko 1,575]

Depends what other resources are available on the island. One might be immediately useful, but unnecessary, the other has the potential to be necessary later.

Exactly, you place a value on the items and make a decision based on the value that you place on them. This is an unique human trait, we do it all the time, we place values on objects external to ourselves but these values do not exist externally. Other humans may or may not agree with our values. However, none of this is genetic, except for the ability of the human brain to create a value system, that's the genetic component, not the systems or the valuations themselves.

[Peikko 1,575]

More religious fanaticism?

What? Mawilson does not normally place any moral values on anything, I find it odd therefore that he should specifically choose to place a moral value system on activity/inactivity.

[rika60607 215]

Why are you talking so harsh about yourself???

You are wasting your time. Some people just like living with a complicated set of beliefs that makes no sense to a reasonable intellect. What makes it truly ironic, is when they deny those beliefs with the same breath that they profess them. Shame, really, but the world goes on, despite their lunacy.

[Dan and Judy 614]

Homosexuality is like a pre emptive abortion. excellent birth control. God has to step in with wars and famines if we don't have enough people practicing homosexual behaviors. Lazyness is a gift from God to promote efficiency. It keeps people from running around peforming useless activities like going outside to BBQ when the the stove in the kitchen works just fine, or persuing a masters degree.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Homosexuality is like a pre emptive abortion. excellent birth control. God has to step in with wars and famines if we don't have enough people practicing homosexual behaviors. Lazyness is a gift from God to promote efficiency. It keeps people from running around peforming useless activities like going outside to BBQ when the the stove in the kitchen works just fine, or persuing a masters degree.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Exactly, you place a value on the items and make a decision based on the value that you place on them. This is an unique human trait, we do it all the time, we place values on objects external to ourselves but these values do not exist externally. Other humans may or may not agree with our values. However, none of this is genetic, except for the ability of the human brain to create a value system, that's the genetic component, not the systems or the valuations themselves.

Dogs bury bones. Squirrels hide nuts. Seals use a rock to open shellfish. Apes use sticks to get ants. What is your point?

Why are you talking so harsh about yourself???

Have a cookie. Adults are talking here.

Edited March 31, 2011 by Some Old Guy

[Peikko 1,575]

Dogs bury bones. Squirrels hide nuts. Seals use a rock to open shellfish. Apes use sticks to get ants. What is your point?

Have a cookie. Adults are talking here.

Do you honestly believe that makes any sense as a response to the uniqueness of the human trait of ascribing external values to not only physical things but systems of belief? If so, I am not surprised you don't get my point.