Posted by alexandra_k on January 19, 2006, at 3:48:17
In reply to Re: okay so this isn't working out :-( » alexandra_k, posted by Dinah on January 18, 2006, at 20:23:20
> After all, sickle cell anemia is a Darwinian adaptation. But it certainly isn't a positive thing for modern man.
Our evolved brains have provided us with the cognitive means to develop the natural sciences. Science has provided the means to test people for genetic conditions. If people had that knowledge BEFORE deciding to have children... Science has also provided the means to test pre-embryos for genetic conditions. If people don't want their child to have a serious genetic disorder... The technology is there.
There is no logical compulsion from eliminating pre-embryos with serious genetic conditions to selecting pre-embryos for blue eyes and blonde hair.
But some peoples cognitive development... Has a way to go yet
;-)
Foresight and empathy...
Evolved characteristics.Better to duck an incoming brick than to duck once the brick has already hit you. Even though the ability to duck an incoming brick doesn't come cheap (requires a visual system hooked up to a motor system etc). But I guess it was worth it because all people (unless they are very severely disabled) have a ducking reflex.
Better to prevent global warming / nuclear holocaust etc than to leave future generations to clean up our messes.
Though thats not quite a reflex / a self evident truth just yet...
Cognitively...
We are still evolving.
Compassion
ForesightBut maybe that is a matter of faith...
Or hope.
Or something
poster:alexandra_k
thread:599901
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060110/msgs/600629.html