Discussion Assignment Unit 2
All humans share fundamental biological mechanisms, such as breathing,
vision, and hearing, but each of us is unique. Genetics, as defined by
Spielman et al. (2017), is the scientific study of genes and how they are
passed down through generations. From a psychological perspective, this
field helps us understand the relationship between our genes and our
behaviors. We are all organisms that constantly interact with our
environment. Epigenetics studies how the environment can influence gene
expression. This means that a person with the same genetic makeup
(genotype) as someone else can exhibit different behaviors because of their
unique environmental experiences.
Genetics and Epigentics
In us,
Our individual genetic code provides the fundamental blueprint for our
traits, including our physical characteristics and predispositions for certain
patterns of cognition and behavior (Spielman et al., 2017). For instance, our
potential height is largely determined by genetics. However, epigenetics
plays a crucial role in whether we reach that genetic potential. Environmental
factors such as nutrition and physical activity can influence how our genes
are expressed. A person with the genes for a tall stature may not reach their
full height if they experience malnutrition during their formative years, while
someone with a similar genetic potential might grow taller with proper diet
and care. This shows that while we are born with a genetic foundation, our
lived experiences directly shape how our genes function, making us more
than just a product of our DNA.
“Genes affect more than our physical characteristics. Indeed, scientists have
found genetic linkages to a
number of behavioral characteristics, ranging from basic personality traits to
sexual orientation to spirituality”
(Spielman et al., 2017).
the example of the sickle-cell gene is a great illustration of how
understanding epigenetics and environmental factors changes our
perceptions. It shifts the view from a simple genetic "flaw" to a complex trait
that is either beneficial or harmful depending on the environment. When we
look at the sickle-cell trait from a purely genetic (deterministic) perspective,
it seems like a negative trait. We might judge it as a disorder that is passed
down through generations, making people more susceptible to illness. The
focus would be on the gene itself as a "flaw."
However, an epigenetic and environmental perspective reveals a more
nuanced truth. The sickle-cell trait evolved and persisted in certain
populations precisely because it offers a significant survival advantage in
environments where malaria is widespread. The gene's presence makes it
much harder for the malaria parasite to thrive in the bloodstream. In these
regions, having one copy of the gene is a benefit, not a curse.
For ‘how public policy, government benefits, corporate structure, and other
systemic structures can be changed (if needed), and
how our own values can change or be modified to make room for a new
understanding of epigenetics’, Epigenetics teaches us that our environment
can change how our genes work, and this new idea can shift our values and
systems. Instead of thinking our health is just a matter of genes we're stuck
with, we can realize our choices and environment matter a lot.
This new view makes us more focused on community responsibility. For
example, we might start to value things like good nutrition and reducing
stress for everyone, not just for ourselves, because we know these things can
affect how genes are expressed for generations. This idea can lead to big
changes. Governments might create programs to help pregnant moms and
young kids with better food, knowing that this can make them healthier for
life. Companies might also offer stress-relief programs, understanding that a
less stressful workplace leads to healthier employees.
In my culture, which is deeply rooted in Buddhism, the concepts of heredity
and personal destiny are understood through the profound principle of
karma. While modern science points to DNA and genes, we believe that
traits—both physical and personal—are passed down not just from our
parents but from our past lives. The idea of genetics is mirrored in the
concept of past karma; if we performed virtuous deeds in a previous life, we
are reborn with favorable traits, a positive disposition, and a healthy body.
This inheritance is seen as a direct consequence of our past actions.
However, Buddhism’s view is far from deterministic. The concept of
epigenetics, which shows how our environment and actions can change
how our genes are expressed, is perfectly reflected in the power of present
karma. We don't just rely on the karma from our past. It's about how we act
in this very moment. A person may have been born with challenging or
undesirable traits—a "bad hand" from a past life's misdeeds—but through
diligent practice of compassion, mindfulness, and good deeds, they can
dramatically change their present reality. We believe that by consistently
acting with kindness and wisdom, we can overcome our past karma and
unlock our full potential, regardless of our inherited predispositions. The
focus is on our present responsibility to ourselves, our family, and the
environment, showing that our actions today can shape our future and even
our next life.
Reference
Spielman, R., Dumper, K., Jenkins, W., Lacombe, A., Lovett, M. & Perlmutter, M. (2017). Psychology. OpenStax College, Rice
University. Download for free at [Link]