philosophy

Pinker’s Personal Genomics

I wonder what gene is responsible for Steven Pinker’s unquestionable gift for written communication? While he doesn’t mention it specifically in his lengthy piece on personal genomics in the New York Times, he does an impressive job of deconstructing his genome as revealed to him by the likes of personal Read more…

By timdean, ago

Grayling on Darwin and Ethics

“Can ethics be derived from evolution by natural selection?” Thus spake Richard Wilkins (although I never knew he hailed from Watford) in the most recent question asked of British philosopher, A.C. Grayling in his regular Q&A in Prospect Magazine. Grayling’s first answer is succinct and, I think, accurate: Given that Read more…

By timdean, ago