Killing the behavioral zombie: Genes, evolution, and why behavior isn't special

Abstract

The nature-nurture controversy seems to be a scientific zombie, an idea that will not die despite ample evidence that it is inaccurate and even damaging to our ideas about how characteristics evolve. The dilemma is particularly clear with regard to behavioral traits, such as intelligence or sexual orientation, where thinking that genes or the environment predominate can lead to flawed conclusions. We argue that, first, behavior is not special in its evolution but evolves in the same manner as other traits. Second, no trait, whether behavioral or otherwise, is caused by either genes or the environment or even by an additive combination of the two; the interaction is the important feature. Third, genes do not and cannot code for behavior or any other characteristic.