Re: Scientists are half-autistic

On Wed, 22 Feb 2006 14:01:43 -0700, Mike McWilliams
<michael.mcwilliamss@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote, in part:

I suggest simon baron-cohen is doing research which on it's own is fine,
but the conclusions he is coming to are crafted to maximize populist
appeal... which in my book further tarnishes my perception of people who
think they've got some sort of authority on what goes on in peoples
heads and minds.

I certainly think that the *poster*, claiming that this is some kind of
evidence that science is a flawed way of viewing the world, is wrong in
the way you outline.

But there are many instances of genes that in a haploid dose are
beneficial, and in diploid form are harmful. The gene for sickle-cell
anemia, one of which gives protection from malaria is an example. It is
believed, though not yet proven, that the gene for cystic fibrosis in a
single representative protects against cholera.

That some genes which promote a mode of thinking that has benefited
humanity with valuable gifts of science and technology might, in excess,
lead to the tragic disorder of autism is not impossible. After this idea
was presented some time back in Wired magazine, though, others came
forwards with evidence that this was unproven or unlikely for some
reasons.

We still need more science and technology. We still need, for example,
to find a way to feed the world and provide for it without dependence on
the oil that is running out.

John Savard
http://www.quadibloc.com/index.html
_________________________________________
Usenet Zone Free Binaries Usenet Server
More than 140,000 groups
Unlimited download
http://www.usenetzone.com to open account
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Are we becoming gods?
    ... This is no "end of science", ... simply cataloguing genes but manipulating them; ... Let's start with the intelligence revolution. ... Last year, its scientists hit the ...
    (soc.culture.romanian)
  • Re: The Tree of Life
    ... So you have to believe in evolution in order to accept the evolutionary ... shared is a problem halved has been take to heart by science. ... looking at the genes expressed. ... Turns out they use many of the same genes in their venom and the ...
    (uk.religion.christian)
  • Re: Speculative Design Hypothesis (with predictions)
    ... science and nobody will buy it. ... Not all genes are transcribed at any given time. ... important players in translation. ... The process of protein synthesis is as specified and ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Speculative Design Hypothesis (with predictions)
    ... science and nobody will buy it. ... Not all genes are transcribed at any given time. ... To extend your analogy, not only is ... important players in translation. ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Evolved Human Growth Periods
    ... the current technology for detecting the switching on and off of genes ... as part of standard transcription units. ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)