Genetics and Human Behaviour: the Ethical Context
Introduction
Researchers in the field of behavioural genetics are examining how genes and the environment influence human behavioural traits such as aggression, anxiety, homosexuality, intelligence, novelty-seeking and anti-social behaviour. Much of the research focuses on behavioural characteristics that we all share to varying degrees, rather than traits that are considered to be abnormal, unhealthy or pathological.
This is a complicated and often controversial area of genetic research. As well as concerns about the validity of the scientific methodologies involved, there are many ethical, legal, social and practical implications. These include concerns about the effects of developing genetic tests for normal behavioural traits and the way in which such information could be used to try to predict, change or select such traits.
The scope of the Council’s 1993 Report Genetic screening: ethical issues was limited to serious diseases. In focusing on the major disorders, the scope of the 1998 Report on Mental disorders and genetics: the ethical context was similarly restricted. This raised the question whether there were important issues relating to genetic influences on personality and behavioural characteristics within the normal range that merited examination by the Nuffield Council. Because the rapid rate of scientific progress in human genetics will lead to the identification of an increasing number of genes associated with behavioural traits, the Council agreed that it was important to anticipate the ethical and social implications raised by this research.
The Council therefore held a Workshop in November 1999 to encourage debate about these issues. Following this meeting, the Council decided that a comprehensive review of the issues raised by research in behavioural genetics was required and a Working Party was established in November 2000. A Report was published in October 2002.
To find out about the Working Party and its members, click here.
Last Updated Mon, 23 August 2004
